United Way campaign at 81% of goal

Van Wert independent/United Way information

The United Way of Van Wert County finds itself in another tough situation this year, with needs increasing, but the economic downturn making it tough for the community to meet the $500,000 campaign goal.

Currently, the campaign stands at 81 percent ($402,783) of this year’s $500,000 goal, but not much more is likely to come in, since nearly every company and business campaign, except in the city of Delphos, has  been completed. Furthermore, the Delphos campaign is divided between Van Wert County and Allen County, with Van Wert receiving 40 percent of what is raised there (click here for a division breakdown).

“It will be another tough year during the allocation process,” says United Way Executive Director Deb Russell. “I am sure the agency requests will increase again, especially since state and federal funding has been reduced in a lot of areas. United Way agencies will receive their funding applications next week.”

One company that goes above and beyond for United Way is Eaton Corporation. Employees of Eaton recently completed the company’s 2011 United Way campaign by pledging a total of $104,139, which includes a $500 donation from the Venedocia Lions Club.

“During the year, Eaton does different fundraisers for United Way to add to their campaign total,” said Campaign Chair Lorie Garwood. “One of the most popular and requested every year is Venedocia Lions sausage.

“They (the Lions) set up in the parking lot for 24 hours (and) Eaton employees and United Way volunteers work around the clock to sell sandwiches,” she added.

“Another large and recently new fundraiser is their basket Bingo,” Garwood added. “The community has been generous in providing baskets, items, and also for attending Bingo. It takes a lot of organization to put on an event such as this and they have done a great job.”

Other fundraisers at Eaton, Garwood noted, include a sale of baked goods, root beer floats, Coney dogs, and a silent auction of items no longer used or needed at the plant.  Eaton also provides t-shirts to employees who make a pledge during campaign week and offers different giveaways and incentives to promote giving and helping the community.

“It really benefits our campaign when a company has a separate United Way committee,” Garwood added. “They work all year round concentrating on what they can do to help the community. We are grateful to Eaton for allowing their employees the time to be so active in the community and to the Venedocia Lions Club for their support.”