Finances

$18,000 More Needed to Meet United Way Goal

Clatskanie Chief

February 24, 2005

There is still time to pledge money towards the 2005 United Way of Columbia County drive and meet the year's goal of $360,000.

Curt Ollila of Clatskanie, who serves as president of the board of directors of the United Way of Columbia County, reported this week that the campaign is currently $18,000 short of its 2005 goal.

"We are asking the support from the community for the remaining $18,000," Ollila said Tuesday. He noted that allocations to the agencies that Columbia County United Ways supports do not start until April.

"The agencies we support provide care from pre-natal care to seniors," Ollila pointed out. "Ninety-nine percent of all money donated to United Way of Columbia County stays in our county. Less than one percent goes to United Way of America for use of the franchise name. The board is diligent about keeping costs down. Thirteen percent is spent for staff and campaign costs...the remaining 87 percent goes directly to the agencies we support," he emphasized.

The 22 agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Columbia County are evaluated by the board every two years to ensure that they have funding from other sources and that they are spending the money received from the United Way in the manner intended.

For donor forms or brochures, interested persons are asked to call 503 556-3614 or e-mail uwcc@hotmail.com or visit the web site at http://unitedway. colcenter.org.

Campaign 2004-2005

Give Where You Live!

Ø Leaving the county when commuting to work?

Ø Are your dollars leaving, too?

Ø Please support your Local United Way of Columbia County

Ø It's Your Home! It Matters!

Campaign Goals

Ø Raise at least $360,000 for Columbia County

Ø Increase understanding of ways to give to the community where we live through workplace donations

Ø Increase donor participation in campaign and volunteerism

Contact

United Way of Columbia County

P.O. Box 538

Rainier, OR 97048

Phone: 503-556-3614

Fax: 503-556-1855

Giving back to your community

We frequently hear from people who commute out of the County to work and don't know how to direct their donations. This article is meant to help clarify the ways that you can give back to your community.

Payroll deduction is the easiest and available through most companies who have United Way Campaigns.

If you work outside of Columbia County you must designate your donation — tell your employer where you want your money to go.

Donations raised in companies outside of Columbia County frequently do not return to Columbia County to provide services without the donor making this request.

v We will bill you quarterly for your pledge if you request.

v One time donations may be made using Visa, Master Card, Discover, cash, or checks.

v Can't afford to give much? Even a dollar makes a difference.

v Donate a gift certificate or other item from your business to be used as needed.

v Volunteer to help those less fortunate with building, supplies, painting, yard care, Meals on Wheels, transportation to the doctor, etc.

Now Giving to United Way is Easier Than Ever!

To give today, you can:

Use the new United Way link that allows you to give to any United Way in the United States. The pledges generated in your zip code area will be returned to your local United Way. This is a secure site.

Or use the Printable Donation Card. Click on the button below, print out the card, fill it in, and mail, fax, or bring it to us.

Thank you for your support!

On May 21, 2004 United Way of Columbia County had its annual Volunteer Thank you Celebration. Approximately 60 volunteers and their families attended the spaghetti dinner.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

A. G. Flowers

Clatskanie PUD

Columbia River PUD

U. S. Gypsum

Stimson Lumber

Georgia Pacific

Boise Paper Solutions

Bertucci’s

Means Nursery

Leifelds Jewelry

Emmert Motors

Columbia River Carpet

El Tapatio of Rainier

Bank of America

R & R Jewelers, Inc.

and

Fred Meyer of Longview.

With the support of our community we were able to provide a great spaghetti dinner for approximately 60 volunteers and their families. These volunteers included community members, business representatives, as well as many members of the non- profit organizations supported by United Way.

The program included Michael Carter, Superintendent of the Rainier School District as the guest speaker.

Curt Ollila, United Way Board Vice President announced the 2004 campaign total of $320,000.

Dave Dupuis of Boise Paper Solutions and Johneta Johnson of Dyno Nobel campaign co-chairs were presented a plaque in appreciation of their hard work.

Recognition certificates and plaques were then presented to volunteers and businesses for their support of United Way.

To top off this great evening door prizes were awarded and each attendee was presented with Brawny paper towels thanks to the generosity of Georgia Pacific.

I would like to say thank you again to everyone who works so hard to help United Way change lives in Columbia County and the sponsors who made this a truly memorable evening. You are what makes United Way work.

Sincerely,

Kathye Beck

Executive Director