By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
United Way of Lauderdale County officials announced the official close Wednesday of the 2000 fund-raising campaign and are optimistic they will reach their goal of $760,000.
Roberts said he has received encouraging campaign results this week.
The Meridian Public School District's campaign this year proved to be one of its most aggressive on record, with totals reaching more than $17,000. Other campaigns reporting significant increases this year include Mississippi Power Company, Mosby Packing Company, Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company, East Mississippi Bottling Company, Peavey Electronics, Citizens National Bank, Meridian Machine Works, United Parcel Service and The Meridian Star.
An increase is also evident in the United Way's Leadership givers people who are able to give $1,000 or more to the campaign. The goal this year is to increase the number of Leadership givers to 75. So far, 57 people or families have stepped up to bat to help reach this year's Leadership goal.
The United Way of Lauderdale County supports 18 health and human service agencies operating in Lauderdale County and extending a helping hand in surrounding counties.
Among those agencies supported with funds from the United Way of Lauderdale County are: the American Red Cross, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Club of Lauderdale County, Care Lodge, the Youth Excitement Team, the tutoring program of Community of Hope, Wesley House Community Center, Peavey House, Friendship Center, the Mental Health Association of Lauderdale County, Hilltop House for Boys and Girls, Meals on Wheels, the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired and Volunteer Program, the Salvation Army and the Meridian Speech and Hearing Center.
For more information, call the United Way of Lauderdale County at 693-2732.
Sharon White a is staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@meridianstar.com.