The United Way of Leflore County has met its fund-raising goal for 2001, but it needs more money to avoid cutting agency funds, said Executive Director Freda Maxey.
Maxey said this morning that the chapter had raised $110,064, surpassing its goal of $110,000. However, she said she hopes more than $123,000 can be raised so that cuts won't be necessary. The agencies count on these contributions for salaries and other expenses, she said.
Thursday is the deadline for reporting pledges and donations.
The United Way funds 11 agencies in the county: the American Red Cross, Beacon Harbor, the Boy Scouts, Communities In Schools, the free clinic, Greenwood Food Pantry, the recreation center, Habitat for Humanity, Leflore County 4-H, Northwest Mississippi Girl Scouts and the Salvation Army.
The United Way Allocations Committee will meet with agency representatives Feb. 13 to discuss distribution of the money.
Maxey said the money had been coming in at about the same pace as usual. The goal was scaled down from previous years because of the slow economy and the loss of some local businesses that had been major contributors, she said.
The 2000 goal was $125,000, but contributions totaled only $123,000.
For 10 or 15 years, contributions increased steadily or at least stayed about the same, Maxey said. "It really hurts those agencies when they have to make cuts," she said.
Greenwood Leflore Hospital, which had pledged $16,000, raised $17,603.
Irvin Automotive Products raised $11,834; J.C. Penney, $4,729; Greenwood Public Schools, $3,883; Wal-Mart, $3,200; BellSouth, $3,200; Staplcotn, $2,385, Greenwood Commonwealth $2,286; Delta Electric, $1,586; and Taylor, Powell, Wilson & Hartford, $1,570.
Some gifts designated for victims of the terrorist attacks went to the American Red Cross.
SWEETHEART DANCE
- A dance is being planned to raise money for the United Way of Leflore County.
When: Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. to midnight.
Where: The National Guard Armory.
Details: Tickets are $7.50 for singles and $15 for couples. The event will feature oldies music, door prizes and snacks. Margaret Clark, who heads the United Way Fund-Raising Committee, said the dance was conceived as an opportunity for people in the community to enjoy themselves and also raise money for a good cause.
