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

DATE: SUNDAY, December 26, 1993                   TAG: 9312280251
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

RALLYING IN TROUBLED TIMES

For almost three years, the people of the New River Valley have suffered from the adverse effects of the recession. The unemployment rate is terrible, and an unacceptable number of people have been without work for far too long. As of December, the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development reports an unemployment rate of 9.3 percent for the New River Valley, which translates into more than 7,000 of our people unemployed! United Way assistance in many cases is the only help many have received.

In 1991 and 1992, the citizens of Montgomery County and Radford rallied to contribute record sums of United Way assistance to less fortunate neighbors, far exceeding the goals of both years. What a tribute to our citizens who demonstrated a level of caring for those of our neighbors who had come upon hard times. Thanks to you, food and medical care, clothing, medicine - the basic necessities - were made available. Those who contributed were able to sleep well at night - knowing they had done their part in helping the needy.

Despite the indicators that the economy is on the upswing, the long years of recession have taken their toll. The basic needs - no frills - were reflected in our 1993 United Way goal of $780,000. However, we are still $20,000 short with more needy citizens registering every day for limited resources. Your help is urgently needed to help this campaign meet and exceed the goal. Bonnie Svrcek, the 1993 campaign chairwoman, her enthusiastic campaign team, the staff and board of directors of the United Way and the citizens of our area have done a magnificent job already as we have worked together to meet the requirements of our needy. However, we must make that last surge to put us over the top in order to fund even the basic agency requests.

We have done it before, and I am confident we will do it again. Won't you please join me in an added push to make this 1993 United Way campaign a complete success? Please send your contribution to the United Way, P.O. Box 554, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Or, call 381-2066 and someone will pick up your donation. Now, in this wonderful Christmas season, you can make a difference!

\ T.O. Williams, president

United Way of Montgomery County and Radford

by CNB