Ilene Heaton

Executive Director Ilene Heaton reports that local residents pledged an additional $12,850 this week, bringing the campaign total to $178,791.

The Campaign Cabinet is busy distributing materials and many companies are forming committees to plan their internal employee campaign.

Jack Reser  and Terri Schneider, 2008 campaign co-chairs, note that they and agency representatives have been invited to speak at several campaigns which they find particularly rewarding. (Audio interview included.)

"This is an opportunity to increase public awareness about all of the services available in the community" says Ms. Schneider.

Both she and Mr. Reser note that they have encountered many people who were not aware of the number and different types of agencies supported by the United Way.

In many cases, they or a family member have used one or more agencies without realizing it.  "Or someone will come up after a presentation describing a problem they or a family member are experiencing" Ms. Schneider says adding "it's very rewarding when we are able to link the person with an agency that can help. We don't have the resources to solve every problem we encounter, but I hate to think what would happen if we could not support our existing agencies."

Locally, the United Way supports 24 health and human service agencies in the county.

An agency which has touched the lives of Logan County residents for many years is the Logan County Cancer Society. The Cancer Society is an all volunteer organization that offers financial assistance for cancer-related medication and supplies. Over 100 Logan County residents will receive help this year. The agency will receive $28,458 from United Way in 2008.

Heaton said the United Way recently helped her family, too.

Listen to her explain. 

If you have questions or would like to contribute, call the United Way office at 592-2886, stop by the office at 122 N. Main St., Bellefontaine or visit the web site at http://www.uwlogan.org/ for more information.

The campaign runs through mid-November.