
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 10, 1994                   TAG: 9411100089
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

$3.5 MILLION IN UNITED WAY TILL

Nine weeks into its 1994 campaign, United Way of Roanoke Valley has raised $3.5million, 73 percent of its campaign goal.

At the same point in last year's campaign, United Way had reached 55 percent of its goal, Robert Lawson, president of Crestar Bank and chairman of this year's campaign, said at a news conference Wednesday.

"In that sense, we feel good about this campaign," Lawson said. "These figures reflect increased giving at a number of companies, including our 'Pacesetters' and some first-time campaigns at several new businesses."

Eleven "Pacesetter" organizations and companies jump-started the 1994 campaign this summer, raising $355,000 toward a $4.85million goal.

Nearly 500 Roanoke Valley employers are conducting United Way campaigns; 15 are first-time efforts.

Twenty restaurants conducted a "Restaurants That Care" program last month, donating $5 from each table to the United Way. The restaurants raised more than $4,000.

This year's campaign contributions will help United Way fund several high-priority programs, including two YMCA of Roanoke Valley programs - the Magic Place and the Drop In Center.

The Magic Place is a licensed before- and after-school care program for children ages 5-11. The program is provided at 15 elementary schools in Roanoke and one in Salem. More than 400 children are enrolled.

The Drop In Center is an enrichment program that provides structured after-school activities for children ages 6-12. The free program, held at the YMCA's Family Center branch, helps children improve their grades and stay in school through tutoring, sports and other activities that build self-esteem.

The center has more than 70 participants.

Other high-priority programs include a program at Greenvale Nursery School to care for sick children; Families First, a Family Service of Roanoke Valley preventive program for families at risk of child abuse or neglect; and the Teen Outreach Program, an effort to discourage - through community service - teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, substance abuse and suicide.

The United Way campaign will continue through the end of the year. Campaign results are expected to be announced in January.

by CNB