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The United Way of Randolph County has until Dec. 31 to reach its 2010 campaign goal in order to provide much needed funding for 27 social service organizations in the county during the upcoming year. With so much economic uncertainty, the need to reach and exceed the $155,000 goal couldn't be bigger and now is the time to donate, explained 2010 campaign chairman Gary Clay.

In April these agencies presented their budgets to the United Way and board members determined how much can be contributed to support these organizations.

"When you give to the United Way, you're giving to 27 agencies," Clay said.

United Way goes to the community and businesses on behalf of these social service organizations to raise money and organize fundraisers, which the agencies may not be able to conduct, Clay explained. United Way also helps with day-to-day operations year-round. Each agency is audited each year, so donors can be assured their money is being used properly.

"We treat the donors' money like it's our own," Clay said.

Some of the agencies are the Helping Hand Clearing House, Meals on Wheels, Cancer Support Program, the five Randolph County libraries, the Elkins-Randolph County Family YMCA, the Humane Society, the American Red Cross and Children's Advocacy Center. To give readers an opportunity to learn more about all of the 27 agencies, The Inter-Mountain will feature advertisements detailing available services. The advertising campaign, which runs through Dec. 31, will also show the progress of the United Way's 2010 goal.

It's the small contributions from individuals that help the United Way provide additional funding for these agencies. Donations can be easily made. If an individual would like to pledge $100 to the United Way for the 2010 campaign, they may make quarterly, monthly or weekly payments. United Way Executive Director Cindy Nucilli says the organization can be very flexible with how pledges are billed.

United Way made a promise to the agencies that they could raise the $155,000 and each organization has built its 2010 budget presuming the organization would reach that goal.

"I would hate to go back to them and tell them we can only give them 90 cents on the dollar or 80 cents on the dollar," Clay said.

Clay estimated that in 2008, approximately 70 percent of individuals were able to give while 10 percent of the population needs help. Now, in 2009 around 60 percent of people are able to make donations while 15 percent need assistance.

"The emphasis becomes on all of us that have a job and have money to be able to help out this year," Clay added. "Look at yourself and decide if you want to make a difference in the community. It is needed now more than ever."

Some people who participate in payroll deduction programs contribute $1 per week, but when all the money is put together it can make a difference, Clay said.

"When you look at our goal of $155,000 ... the majority of our money comes from small donors," he said. "What I always tell folks is take your small amount ... we put it together and pretty soon we're talking about $155,000. It's everybody giving what's appropriate for them."

So many organizations need help, but when giving to United Way, an individual is actually giving to 27 organizations at once, Clay explained. Individuals can also specify an agency they want their money to go to, according to United Way board of directors President Tom Rosier.

If people want their donations to be counted on their 2009 taxes, they must make the contribution by Dec. 31. Those who pledge an amount by Dec. 31 and plan to pay it in 2010 may count the contribution for their 2010 taxes.

United Way's new slogan is "Live United," which means giving, advocating and volunteering. Clay hopes people can volunteer for an organization and advocate for the agencies. When people see what's going on in the agencies, the learn how the groups really make a difference in the community, he said.

Those who cannot make a cash contribution can contact the United Way to find out how they can volunteer at one of the agencies.

If the United Way exceeds its goal, the extra funds are used to make one-time purchases for an agency. For example, because the United Way exceeded its goal last year, the organization was able to purchase a freezer for the local food bank.

Clay said that if the United Way exceeds its goal, they will consider what could help a needs organization.

"Every dollar would go back to helping those agencies out," Clay said. "The goal's a target and in my mind that's the minimum we need."

All the contributions go toward the agencies because the office keeps overhead expenses to a minimum.

It's not too late for any business to get involved. Any business owner interested in learning how they can participate in payroll deductions or about the United Way may call Nucilli at 304-636-0516.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the United Way or would like more information about the organization may call 304-636-0516.

Donations may be mailed to: The United Way of Randolph County, P.O. Box 1085, Elkins, W.Va. 26241.