Bringing the United Way campaign back to Lawrence County has pushed funds pledged to $139,260, which is 93 percent of the $150,000 goal, said Tim Selb, local chairman.

Monday, January 10, 2000

Bringing the United Way campaign back to Lawrence County has pushed funds pledged to $139,260, which is 93 percent of the $150,000 goal, said Tim Selb, local chairman.

"The local advisory board is extremely pleased because the total amount pledged last year was $120,537," he said. "We all should be proud of the Lawrence County campaign accomplishments."

However, the remaining $10,740 is greatly needed, Selb stressed.

"With all the adverse employment events that have occurred recently, we know the services provided by United Way agencies will be greatly needed," he explained. "This year’s theme – What a Difference Your Gift Makes – is especially appropriate."

Selb asked businesses that still have not sent in their pledge packets to do so by Jan. 15. Pledge packets should be mailed to: United Way, P.O. Box 134, Chesapeake, Ohio 45619.

In the meantime, campaign volunteers will canvas door to door in the business districts in Ironton, Coal Grove, South Point, Chesapeake and Proctorville during the week of Jan. 10 in their effort to meet the $150,000 goal.

"We are extremely close, and the advisory board feels we definitely can achieve the goal," Selb said.

This year’s campaign marks the first in more than a decade that was completely planned, organized and coordinated by Lawrence County volunteers. In recent years, the campaign was administered in Huntington, W.Va., by a board that included members from Lawrence County in Ohio as well as Cabell and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

Last summer, a local advisory board was created on a one-year trial basis because Lawrence County contributions has decreased during recent campaigns.

"Because of the success we had this year, the advisory board decided to try again next year," Selb said.

Although the overall United Way administrative services office for the Lawrence County campaign still is an operating division of the United Way of the River Cities, fund-raising efforts this year were solely in the hands of local volunteers.

All funds raised in Lawrence County benefit local agencies, Selb stressed.

In addition to Selb, the Lawrence County advisory board includes Jim Barrett, Sharon Dixon and Debbie Thomas, all of Firstar; Connie Freeman, who during the campaign was employed with the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce; Jean Hamilton, Hamilton Chevrolet; Sid Harmon, One Valley Bank; Sue Massie, River Valley Health System; Lori Morris, Ohio River Bank; Aaron Myers, The Ironton Tribune; and Martha Wilson.