SOUTH POINT – United Way of the River Cities’s Lawrence County committee kicked off the 1999 donation campaign last week.

Thursday, September 16, 1999

SOUTH POINT – United Way of the River Cities’s Lawrence County committee kicked off the 1999 donation campaign last week.

South Point Mayor Bill Gaskin, county advisory committee member Sue Massie of River Valley Health System and others launched helium balloons Friday to mark the event.

"On behalf of the Lawrence County team, we are grateful to start this campaign here," Mrs. Massie said. "With South Point’s tremendous growth the village is sure to be a pacesetter in encouraging residents and businesses to participate."

Each year, United Way raises funds that benefit 15 public agencies in the county, and a number of others across the country.

"If you’re fortunate enough to be working and be well, then you’re giving back when you give to United Way," advisory committee member Connie Freeman said.

Donations fund local scouting events, help domestic violence shelters in missions of mercy and assist senior citizens agencies, she said.

"It touches every segment of society," Ms. Freeman said.

Under the direction of campaign chairman Tim Selb of Firstar bank, the Lawrence County volunteers have set a fund-raising goal of $150,000 to be raised by mid-November, she said.

To raise the funds, the committee sets personal goals of contacting people who want to make a difference through United Way, Ms. Freeman said.

"And it takes an active board calling on various business, school and government offices and asking them to participate in giving to the Lawrence County campaign," she said.

United Way also uses local loaned executives, who donate their business time to visit colleagues and seek donations.

"It will take everyone participating to reach our goal," Ms. Freeman added. "It’s not the size of the donations, it’s that everyone participates."

Local agencies served by United Way include:

– American Red Cross’s county disaster services, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts (Simon Kenton Council), Boys and Girls Club, Chesapeake Community Center, Ironton City Welfare Mission, Community Hospice, Education Recreation Activity, Girl Scouts (Wilderness Road), Lawrence County Domestic Violence Shelter, Shawnee Mental Health, Lawrence County Special Olympics, United Health Foundation, Well Child Clinics and the Lawrence County Council on Aging.

For more information about United Way, or to arrange a donation, call 532-2700 or contact a committee member.