Donations to the United Way of Clallam County have brought the 73rd annual fund drive to nearly one third of its goal.
The United Way’s goal for 2015 is $950,000, to be distributed to 24 partner agencies that provide education, health and income-related services to county residents.
Last year, the campaign raised $780,000, said Corey Delikat, a member of the United Way of Clallam County Board of Directors and campaign coordinator.
“We’re seeing higher requests from agencies to meet the demands,” Delikat said.
There are as many as 75 volunteers “behind the scenes” to make it all happen for the campaign, he said.
So far, their efforts are paying off.
As of Dec. 10, the campaign had received pledges of just over $300,000 — an increase of more than $12,000 compared to the campaign’s pledges received by this time last year, said Paul McHugh, campaign co-chair.
Spike in help
Three regional businesses had notable increases in pledges and donations.
■ Employees of Lakeside Industries in Port Angeles increased donations by $3,000.
■ The city of Sequim employees increased donations by $3,000.
■ Employees of Sound Publishing, which owns the Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum newspapers, tripled the number of donors and doubled total donations to $3,200.
City of Port Angeles employees donated $19,000, including a challenge match by former City Council member Grant Munro.
Munro agreed to match new donors and those who increase donations compared to their 2014 donations.
As of Dec. 10, Munro’s pledge matches reached $3,955.
About half of all business employee campaigns are complete and reported to the United Way office.
Corporate donations exceeded the 2014 total by $9,000, with another $13,000 still to be turned in, said Mark Hannah, head of the corporate gifts division.
“We’ve had phenomenal support from the business community this year,” Hannah said.
A total of $55,000 has been given to date by this group.
The fund drive runs through Dec. 31, and totals will be available by February.
Funds are distributed to partner agencies in April.
For more information, phone United Way of Clallam County at 360-457-3011 or email info@unitedwayclallam.org.
