Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 2, 1995 TAG: 9511020065
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
To date, citizens and companies have pledged $270,879, representing 30 percent of the campaign's 1995 goal of $900,000.
"A lot of good developments are happening economically in the New River Valley," said Kymn Davidson-Hamley, executive director of the United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd. "They're affecting us very positively."
New businesses and existing firms with expanded work forces are helping to boost United Way's pledges, she said.
Also, new campaigns at local employers such as Alliant Techsystems, the New River Valley Planning District Commission, Radford City schools and Teleworks are making a good impact, campaign officials said.
With the good start and several of the charity's largest contributors - employee work-force drives - gearing up in early November, campaign officials believe that the goal can be reached.
State agency campaigns are a large part of the campaign's total. With final reports due later this month, Radford University already has reached 57.5 percent of its goal and Virginia Tech is up to 40 percent.
The increase in giving is in pace with the 1995 goal, which was increased 4.5 percent over last year's.
"The increase is justified because the needs are still there," said Jay Johnson, campaign chairman. "Our partner agencies need our help in providing the health and human services to people who really need help in the community."
The United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd provides full or partial funding to 39 local social service agencies.
by CNB