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Campaigns 'doing well'

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By LISA NICELY

nicely@crescent-news.com

Neighbor helping neighbor isn't a thing of the past when communities decide to "Live United," United Ways' campaign theme this year.

The capital campaigns have been underway since August or September for most United Way organizations in the Defiance six-county area. Money raised in each campaign benefits partner agencies that provide various services to the communities ranging from food for the needy to youth programs. This year the need is great, and the United Way agencies hope individuals and businesses in each county show their support.

"It is going well," Carrie Wetstein, executive director of United Way of Defiance County, said of the campaign. "We're getting more information out in the community."

United Way has a goal of $380,000, which will help fund 39 programs through 26 partner agencies.

"What's come in is very positive," said Wetstein. "People have been very generous. We have several new donors as well coming in."

Wetstein said that if anyone would like more information about United Way or its campaign, he or she should contact the office at 419-782-3510.

Tom Mack, director of United Way of Henry County, said people in his county also have been generous this year.

"People that are still working are aware people are hurting and are generous," he said.

United Way of Henry County is hoping to raise as much as last year -- $437,000. So far, approximately 48 percent of that goal has been met.

"It's going surprisingly well given the economy and layoffs," Mack said of the campaign. "Our capital and major professional (campaigns) are ahead. We still have some corporations running campaigns."

In Putnam County, director Jeanne Beutler said she has also seen more new donors along with the normal donors.

"We are seeing the majority of our regular donors continue to support us," she said. "About 40 percent of those have increased their contribution over last year."

The county's campaign goal is $335,000, which will benefit 17 partner agencies. Beutler said that currently the agency is at 30 percent of its goal.

"That's where I expected to be right now," she said. "We kicked (off the campaign) in mid-September, but didn't get our materials out until mid-October."

In Paulding County, information will be going out to the public soon about the campaign, which has a goal of $25,000.

Nancy Hessler, United Way executive director, said $1,000 has been raised so far.

In Fulton County, one of the biggest business campaigns isn't expected to start running until mid-November, said Gina Saaf, United Way executive director.

"We have done our residential campaign, but our business campaigns haven't come in yet," Saaf said. "All the factory campaigns account for about 65 percent of our goal. So far for the residential campaign, we're on track with what we did last year."

Approximately $50,000 of the United Way's $265,000 goal has been raised. That money will go to help 26 partner agencies.

Money from Williams County's United Way campaign will aid 29 partner agencies through 34 programs. United Way of Williams County's goal is $330,000.

"So far, we're about 25 percent," said Chris Malanga, executive director. "We're pretty pleased so far about that. Most of it is from what residents have sent in. We've had only a few companies come through. We look forward to what will happen when the companies finish their campaigns."

Malanga said he hopes to reach the campaign goal.

"It's really unknown with the economy," he said. "It's (the campaign) moving in the right direction. Things are coming in flat or at increases. I feel pretty good about it."