Kricket Nicholson, executive director for United Way of Umatilla Morrow Counties, shows the recent fundraising campaign is just a hair shy of its goal.<BR><I>Photo contributed by the United Way of Umatilla Morrow Counties</i>

United Way of Umatilla Morrow Counties only is about $5,000 away from its fund-raising goal of $306,000 for the campaign now drawing to a close.

“There’s still time for businesses and individuals to donate and help push us over the top,” said Kricket Nicholson, executive director for the United Way. “We appreciate the generosity of our communities and their willingness to help their neighbors.”

The campaign, which kicked off last fall, is at 98 percent of its goal. Many United Way contributors give through payroll deduction through their work, but contributions also can be made by calling Nicholson at 276-2661; mailing your contribution to P. O. Box 1225 Pendleton; or going to the United Way web site at www.umatillamorrowunitedway.org.”

United Way funding is more vital than ever because many non-profit agencies are straining to help people struggling to meet their basic needs, noted United Way President William Gatchel of Echo. “If we all give a little United Way agencies can help a lot,” he said.

United Way’s 23 partner agencies provide basic needs through agencies such as Agape House and Salvation Army, offer programs for youths and seniors through programs such as Boy Scouts, Campus Life and Boardman Senior Citizens, and provide shelter and counseling for victims of sexual and physical violence through Domestic Violence Services. United Way agencies also provide treatment and counseling through agencies like the Eastern Oregon Alcoholism Foundation.

This is a transition year for the local United Way. Starting in 2010 United Way of Umatilla Morrow Counties will use a Community Impact Model that has proven effective around the country in maintaining or growing United Way funding. Rather than develop a list of member agencies to fund, the Community Impact Model focuses on determining the top needs or priorities in the community and then funding agencies that can address those needs. However, contributors will always have the option of earmarking their donation to a specific non-profit agency.

“We fully expect most if not all of our current member agencies to be appropriate agencies to address our priority issues of successful kids; tools for independence; and emergency assistance” said Gatchel. “But the Community Impact Model will also open the funding process up to other non-profits who may be able to make a difference in our communities.”