Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409020039
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Citizens and families that once had well-paying jobs with good benefits now find themselves struggling financially as members of a new class for the 90s, the "working poor."
To these people - the New River Valley residents who swallow their pride to seek help with food costs, rent or medical bills while they strive to get back on their feet - the United Way of Montgomery County and Radford's 1994 campaign is directed.
"It's very difficult for people to ask for help around here. Most people don't want outside help, " said Kymm Davidson-Hamley, executive director. "That's why we're trying to emphasize that United Way is not a hand-out. It's a hands up."
"Helping people - changing lives - here at home" is the campaign theme, and $790,000 is the goal.
"We feel like we've set a goal that's realistic with the current state of the economy," said Jo Lynn Price, who is chairwoman of this year's campaign. "We're optimistic that we can reach it."
The 1994 goal is about $20,000 more than the amount raised by the United Way of Montgomery County and Radford last year.
In 1993, the local campaign didn't reach its goal but still raised a record amount of money.
Officially, the campaign begins Sept. 8 with the second annual "Day of Caring," when about 150 volunteers will participate in a variety of tasks - from washing cars to cutting hair to cleaning up a summer camp - that will benefit some of the United Way's 35 partner agencies.
Three times as many volunteers are signed up for the 1994 "Day of Caring" as participated in the inaugural event last year, said Davidson-Hamley.
Organizers say the 1994 campaign is designed to run through October. They want to reach their goal quickly and avoid a protracted campaign that runs into the Christmas season.
They also want to emphasize that local money raised by the United Way of Montgomery County and Radford stays in the New River Valley to benefit local organizations.
This year, the United Way has added three new partner agencies: Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread, a free noontime meal program; the Program for Special Medical Care, a low-cost medical program; and the Montgomery County Community Shelter, a temporary housing program.
The economy, this past winter's series of ice storms and a stronger reliance on private-sector funding for social services have contributed to drain resources of the United Way's partners, Davidson-Hamley said.
Even small gifts can make a difference, Price said. "In some way it touches everybody in the community."
The United Way of Pulaski County kicks of its fund-raising campaign at lunchtime in Jackson Park on Sept. 15. Its goal is set at $225,000.
The United Way of Giles County hasn't set a date yet for its fund-raising campaign, but should do so in the next few weeks. Its goal will be set at $100,000.
The United Fund of Floyd County will kick off its campaign in mid-September. Details will be announced soon. Its goal will be set at $40,000.
by CNB