United Way campaign falls short of funding goal
The United Way has concluded its 2011 fund-raising campaign, raising a total of $739,246.
That’s 87 percent of the fundraising goal of $850,000 and 7 percent less than the amount raised last year.
“We appreciate the generosity of the thousands of individuals and businesses that contributed to this year’s campaign and the volunteers who worked to raise money and awareness about needs in our community,” Executive Director Sherry Stevens said.
“Our agencies continue to face unprecedented demand for services and every dollar raised will go toward helping people in need.”
Stevens said agencies that provide basic human services are experiencing increases in demand of 35 to 45 percent, and that agencies and volunteers are forming partnerships to stretch dollars and serve more people.
“Follow Your Heart” was the theme of the 2011 United Way fund drive, which benefits a variety of nonprofit agencies throughout Northwest Montana.
Donations benefit United Way member agencies and services in Flathead County, serving thousands of local individuals and families with a variety of needs.
Volunteers always are needed. To donate money or learn more about volunteer opportunities, call the United Way Volunteer Center at 752-7266.
Current member agencies are Big Brothers and Sisters, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of Glacier Country, Eagle Transit, Flathead CARE, Flathead Food Bank, Flathead Youth Home, Girl Scouts, Head Start, Help Net — First Call for Help; Literacy Volunteers, Mental Health Crisis Line, Nurturing Center, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Samaritan House, Sinopah House, Special Friends Advocacy Program, Summit Independent Living Center and the Violence Free Crisis Line/Abbie Shelter.
Services supported by the United Way include CASA for Kids, Disaster Care Services, Gateway Community Center, Leaders of Tomorrow, Montana 211 Database Project, the United Way Volunteer Center and Youth Suicide Prevention Project.
The United Way also supports the following emergency food and shelter programs in Northwest Montana: Bread Basket, Community Harvest Food Bank, Helping Hands, Hot Springs Food Pantry, Lake County Mental Health Center, Lamplighter House Kitchen, Libby Food Pantry, Libby Food and Shelter Services, Mission Valley Food Pantry, Neighbors in Need, Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, Salvation Army Meal Program, Sanders County Coalition for Families, Thompson Falls Food Pantry and Troy Food Pantry.