United Way caps campaign

 The United Way has concluded its 2012 fundraising campaign after raising $744,108 or 93 percent of its goal.

“We have a generous community and we realize that many people are still experiencing challenging financial times,” said Sherry Stevens, executive director of the local United Way. “We appreciate every one of our donors and volunteers who worked so hard to make the 2012 campaign a success.”

Plum Creek Manufacturing and its employees received the 2012 United Way Community Hero Award given to a business or organization in the Flathead Valley that has shown exemplary support of the community.

The campaign that ended Jan. 31 was a month shorter than the 2011 campaign. This year’s campaign  also be a month shorter as the United Way gradually returns to a schedule that corresponds with the end of the calendar year.

“Every dollar donates goes toward helping people in Northwest Montana and improving the lives of those in need in our communities,” Stevens said.

Stevens said agencies that provide basic human services are continuing to experience record increases in needs and agencies and volunteers are forming partnerships to stretch dollars and serve more people.

“We’re not seeing any let-up in demand on our agencies, so United Way dollars are more important than ever to help them serve their clients,” Stevens said.

The monetary goal for the 2012 campaign was $804,803, the amount raised in 2009, the last time United Way reached its goal.

For more information, call 752-7266.