United Way kicks off 2009 campaign
By LEONARD GLENN CRISTArticle Photos
SALEM - The United Way of Northern Columbiana County has set a fundraising goal of $244,000 this upcoming year.
Though the amount is less than the non-profit sought last year, President Roger Hack said it would remain "tough" to meet the goal.
The 2009 Campaign Kick-Off for United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County was held Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center. Twenty-two local agencies receive United Way funding.
The United Way board set the $244,000 goal after its budget committee held two days of allocation hearings in June.
Assuming the goals are met, United Way fundraising, operations and administration will receive $42,650, the largest allocation of funds.
The American Red Cross would receive $24,000. The Salem Salvation Army, Salem World Wars Memorial Building and the YWCA would each receive $23,000. The Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association would receive 21,000, while the Family Recovery Center would receive $20,000.
Fifteen other area non-profit organizations would share the balance of the funds.
United Way Executive Director George W.S. Hayes distributed donor packets to each agency. During the next several weeks, volunteers and agency representatives will fan out across East Palestine, Leetonia, Washingtonville, Columbiana, Leetonia, Lisbon and Salem to contact businesses and industries to explain the need for generous giving, Hays said.
Representatives from the participating agencies and United Way officials heard from two of the participating agencies at the kick-off. Hack said it is important for the member agencies to learn more about each other.
Pat Macaleese, of the Columbiana Area Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides two meals a day, five days a week, for elderly, handicapped, convalescing and homebound people in Columbiana, Washingtonville, Leetonia and New Waterford, said his organization has delivered 150,000 meals locally since 1984.
Meals on Wheels would receive a $4,000 allocation in the 2009 campaign, which would pay for the meals of those who cannot afford the service, Macaleese said.
Cindy Kenst, of Salem-based Home Care Advantage, which provides various non-medical personal care, housekeeping services and errand running for homebound people, spoke about the sometimes trying and demanding nature of her non-profit's work, but highlighted the humorous moments. Home Care Advantage would receive a $5,000 United Way allocation.
Kenst told the story of one elderly woman who was trying to adjust to the idea of having someone come in her home and help with chores.
The woman didn't understand how a stranger would know where to put everything and how to clean to her liking. In an effort to assuage her concerns, the woman's daughter and Home Care Advantage employees worked with her to compile a detailed list of chores that needed performed. On the night before the housekeeper was to arrive, the daughter put the list on the fridge. The next morning, the housekeeper arrived and the elderly woman slowly answered the door.
Kenst delivered the surprising punch line: "'Come on in,' she said. 'But I need to sit down. I'm tired. I've been up since 5 a.m. My daughter left me a list on the fridge...'" The crowd erupted into laughter.
Leonard Glenn Crist can be reached at lcrist@salemnews.net
