UWBA Getting Closer to Goal

Although continuing to make strides and coming closer to the $375,000 goal, representatives with the United Way of the Bradford Area are asking the local community for continued support.

“We are at 76% of the monetary goal as of right now,” says Assistant Director Mandi Wilton Davis, “but there are still quite a few outstanding pledges we are hoping to include in a final total.”

In an effort to relay the importance of the annual campaign and the agencies and programs which stand to benefit from it, Davis tells a story of a local boy in need of food.

“I came across this young man at the YWCA Food Pantry this summer, and was drawn to him immediately because of his age – I’d say he was five or six years old.

“At one point I glanced at him and noticed he was crying. I heard him turn to the woman with whom he was standing and say that they were too far back in the line and he was afraid they weren’t going to be able to get their food baskets.”

The YWCA Food Pantry is just one of several agencies and programs which receive funding from the annual United Way campaign, all of which benefit local community members.

“I’m sure many people don’t realize how great the needs are,” says Davis, “but, unfortunately, we do have children who go to bed at night worrying about where they’ll place in a food distribution line.

“It’s for that little boy, and for anyone in the community that has found themselves in need of a service provided by one of the funded agencies, that I ask that, if you haven’t made a pledge to the current campaign, you please consider doing so.”

In making the appeal for continued financial support, the United Way is also acknowledging the success they’ve had thus far within the community.

“We’re very thankful to those who have made the choice to give something,” says Executive Director Kristen Luther. “We’re currently at 76% of a substantial monetary goal, and we’re appreciative of every penny that has come in.”

UWBA Board President Dan Manion echoed those remarks, saying that it is clear that the local community is committed to the cause and can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

“In these difficult economic times, we are encouraged by the support received thus far,” says Manion. “While we have not reached goal to date, there is still time to contribute.”

For more information on the United Way of the Bradford Area or its funded agencies, contact the office or visit the website at www.uwbanews.org.