By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
As the official close of The United Way of Lauderdale County's 2000 fund raising campaign approaches, the cup is just over half full.
And, in the special category of leadership giving donations of $1,000 or more only 45 of the hoped for 75 people have contributed.
The campaign's overall goal is $760,000 and all pledges need to be recorded by Nov. 22, the official close.
In 1999, 54 people donated $1,000 or more to the United Way Campaign, which supports 18 local community services organizations.
This year, The Meridian Star is tracking the United Way's efforts to increase the number of leadership givers and will update this feature one last time on Nov. 22. Each United Way figure at the top of this page and the names listed in the left column represents a "leadership" giver. The red figures and names represent people who have made a leadership donation since Nov. 1.
Roberts said there are "without a doubt" enough people in Lauderdale County who fall into the leadership-giver category. He said these are people
who are looking for a concise and positive way to give back to their community.
Untapped resources from this category of people include stocks and bonds.
United Way's strongest division of contributions comes from the major firm and small company drives that use payroll deductions and one-time gifts as giving methods.
Educational, financial, insurance and real estate sources following closely behind as top givers in the campaign. Residential givers and the "retiree division," also help, but those areas could use improvement, Roberts said.
To help the United Way reach retirees and leadership givers, The Meridian Star today is publishing a copy of the official pledge form.
To use the pledge form, simply clip the form, fill it out and mail it back to the United Way of Lauderdale County 818 21st Ave., Meridian, MS 39301. To inquire about an annual pledge or other methods of giving to United Way, call 693-2732.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@meridianstar.com.