By Lindsey Doi
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- $905,000 might seem like a lot of money, but for the greater douglas united way, it's vital funding and time is running out to haul it all in.
The Greater Douglas United way is about six weeks away from wrapping up its annual fundraising campaign. While they're pleased with the giving so far, they're still over $50,000 short of their goal.
The loading dock at United Community Action Network's food bank might be a lot quieter and emptier if it weren't for United Way's annual campaign, which brings in about $50,000 to support three of the agency's programs.
Dan McCue, with the United Community Action Network said, "Without that money, people down at the confidence clinic would not get the training they need. People in housing would not get the housing they need, with food it goes to help pay for all the needy families here in Douglas County."
Greater Douglas United Way's campaign supports 35 local non-profit agencies, which in turn provide services to more than 143,000 county residents.
"Statistic wise, about 1 in 3 people in douglas county will use an agency service over the course of the year so it is vital, and what they do is extremely vital," explained Deb Young with the Greater Douglas United Way.
Vital services like those offered by options counseling to prevent child abuse.
Kelly Southern with Options Counseling Services of Oregon said, "This money allows us to serve those families that call us and say we could use some help, we're having some trouble parenting our child and we're having some issues in our family. So we can serve these families that otherwise wouldn't be served."
Whether it be extending services or helping to keep the lights on and the door open, united way's campaign is a real gift for all the agencies it serves.
"With the money they provide it's really sort of a safe harbor thing for all of the individuals in Douglas County," said McCue.
It's neighbors helping neighbors. Last year, donations topped $895,000 and united way organizers are confident that douglas county's generosity will continue through 2010.
"I'm the positive one, i think we'll make it. I really think this community will step up and we'll get that last maybe $50-100,000 from the community and make it work," Young said.
If you'd like to contribute, the Brix 527 restaurant in downtown Roseburg will be hosting a benefit dinner Thursday night. It costs $12, with all proceeds going directly to help United Way meet its goal.
Meantime, United Way of Lane County has raised about 87 percent of its $5 million goal while Linn County has raised 70 percent of its $1 million goal.
