United Way Hoping for Excess Funds

The United Way of Randolph County expects to reach its campaign goal of $170,000 this year, but officials say the fund won't have much, if any, excess money to help organizations that need more than their allotted amounts.

"Our old faithfuls, the people who always give, those folks are still contributing," Campaign Chairman Gary Clay said. "But the bad new is, we had some people who gave last year, maybe a dollar or $10 per pay day, those type of things, who are in a little tougher sledding this year and those people aren't going to be able to give."

The United Way of Randolph County provides financial assistance to 26 organizations including Women's Aid in Crisis, the Randolph County Homeless Shelter and the Elkins/Randolph County Family YMCA, among others. Organizations such as the Catholic Charities West Virginia, which operates a food pantry in the Seneca Mall, could need additional funding to help offset the rising cost of food. Other groups such as the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library use funding from the United Way to purchase books and other items.

Women's Aid in Crisis uses contributions from United Way to supplement other funding, according to WAIC Executive Director Marcia White. "We use that funding for shelter supplies, food, utilities, communications and emergency services.

"For us, it's really, really critical," she said. "Our regular funding (from state and national sources) usually runs out sometime in February, and our budget year doesn't end until June."

Between 1,200 to 1,500 individuals receive assistance from Women's Aid in Crisis on a yearly basis, with about 100-plus seeking shelter under the organization's roof.

The dollars from United Way, "that's what saves us," White said.

In addition to the regular amount of funding provided by United Way, White said that in some cases WAIC receives extra funding for special projects - if the United Way exceeds its goal. White said if that happens, WAIC can request an additional amount - most times around $2,000 - for special projects the organization creates to benefit the community.

Clay said the United Way of Randolph County has always exceeded its goal in years past, but he doesn't think it will this year.

"When we set our goal last March, it was before the economic downturn hit," Clay said. "Agencies are getting inundated with requests for help. A lot of people are out of work. The need this year is more than it has been in a number of years. We could really use excess money to help folks out."

Clay said employees from local businesses have contributed significant amounts in the past. Among those were workers at Armstrong World Industries, who gave $32,600 in 2007, but in 2008 have contributed $26,600. Clay attributed the decline in contributions to layoffs at the plant. He said some local businesses have ceased operations and now the United Way isn't getting any contributions from their employees.

"It all adds up," Clay said. "If anything, this is the year we would like to have excess money because the agencies are really going to need it."

Clay said the United Way already has a budgeted amount promised to the agencies and they will make sure they get it.

"The excess money goes into a fund and we hold that money for when the agencies need it," Clay said. "We are able to help out a little bit more when we have extra money in the bank. Some organizations need funds to help people with heating bills or help with medications. Every year it's something different, and every year somebody comes along and needs a little more help."

Clay said the money raised by the United Way isn't just for this winter, it has to last throughout 2009.

"People are doing the best they can but it's like the old saying, if you can afford to give, please give a little bit more because now is when folks really need our help," Clay said.

United Way is a national network of nearly 1,300 local organizations that work to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Local United Ways create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people's health. The organization's goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems.

The Randolph County United Way office is located in the former Department of Health and Human Resources Building on Henry Avenue. Donations can be mailed to: 309 Henry Ave., Elkins, W.Va. 26241.