Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412300095
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-8 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
So far, United Way has raised about $807,600 - or 102 percent of its $790,000 goal for 1994.
With government funding for social services disappearing faster than Power Rangers leave store shelves, United Way's privately donated revenue will be needed to keep some agencies going.
"With the chaos that is being produced by federal and state budget reform, we're very nervous," said Pat Brown of the Women's Resource Center, a United Way-supported organization. "The fact that the United Way has reached its goal is a tremendous load off our minds."
Donations still are coming in, and United Way officials are discussing how to distribute the surplus, said Executive Director Kymn Davidson-Hamley. "We want to meet the most critical needs in terms of having shelter, medical services and emergency services."
Until the first United Way payments from the 1994 campaigns are made in March, some agencies operating with less government money may experience financial difficulties, Davidson-Hamley said. "It's really scary to think of what might happen. The people are still going to be out there, They'll still need to be taken care of."
The United Way of Montgomery County and Radford supports 35 member agencies that provide a range of social services, including rescue squads, Red Cross, substance-abuse and child-abuse prevention, scouting programs, clothing and food banks, health care, emergency shelters and senior citizens' programs.
Officials say United Way's success in 1994 indicates a stronger local economy. Last year, a record amount of money was raised, yet the organization fell short of its goal.
They hope the strength continues, because United Way funds may be even more significant if proposed government cutbacks become a reality.
"Where there aren't government funds, we try to fill those gaps. And those gaps may be growing," said Davidson-Hamley.
There are mixed signals about the local United Way's potential for growth.
On one hand, its method of support of social agencies fits the trend toward privatization. However, about one-third of its funds are generated by the region's large contingent of state employees, whose ranks will be thinned if Gov. George's Allen's proposed budget becomes reality.
For now, everyone involved in the organization is celebrating 1994. ``I think we've shown during this campaign that we can pull together and be successful,'' said Jo Lynn Price, campaign chairwoman.
by CNB