More need means higher goal

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WORTHINGTON — As agencies across the country struggle to meet a growing public demand for assistance due to the economy, agencies here at home are beginning to feel the pinch as well.

The United Way of Nobles County, formerly the Worthington Area United Way, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of organizations requesting funds this year, as well as requests for increased funds from the groups they have supported in the past.

“We actually had more agencies than ever before make requests,” said Kelli Van Grouw, the new president of United Way of Nobles County. The organization changed its name in early July to better reflect the reach it has on agencies throughout the county.

Van Grouw said the amount of support needed this year has forced United Way to boost its overall fundraising goal to $140,000 — a $5,000 increase over the last campaign.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of need in the community,” Van Grouw said. “We’re going to work really hard to meet our goal.”

The kickoff for the 2010 fundraising campaign is Sept. 14, when United Way packets will be distributed to employers across the county. The packets give employees the option of donating through a payroll deduction, a one-time donation or to pledge money throughout the year. A tailgate party is planned during a Worthington High School football home game on Oct. 2, and a telethon is also being discussed to help raise funds.

“Basically, the campaign is a year long,” said Van Grouw. “We push to get the packets out in September, but we continue to have donations and payroll deductions come in throughout the year.”

Among the new agencies receiving funds from United Way this year are D.A.R.E., Worthington-Crailsheim International, the Worthington Christian Food Shelf, Lutheran Social Service’s Senior Nutrition Program and the Southwest Crisis Center. They join 22 other agencies who have received funds in the past.

Van Grouw is hopeful that United Way of Nobles County can reach its fundraising goal and can meet its pledge to the agencies in need.

“We’re trying to be cognizant that, while there is greater need in the community, everybody’s dollars are being stretched,” she said. “Hopefully (the goal is) not something that’s unattainable.”

Tags: nobles county, united way of nobles county, news, worthington