The United Way Estevan continues to look for donations in their quest to reach their goal for the 2015 campaign.
The organization has received about $331,000 for this year’s campaign. The total stood at $321,357 following the telethon in mid-October, and since then, pledges have continued to come in.
Their goal was $338,000, so they need another $7,000, according to United Way Estevan president Wendy Gustafson.
“In the last month, we have received more money, so that’s encouraging,” said Gustafson. “We’re just falling a little short of our goal.”
Local banks stopped accepting donations for the United Way in November, so if people want to contribute, they have to contact a board member, bring their pledge to the United Way office or mail it. Donors will receive a charitable tax receipt.
Gustafson said board members have been busy informing the public that the United Way still needs donations. They have spoken with some previous supporters who didn’t make a donation during the broadcast.
“We have had people that have actually donated twice, knowing that we were close to our goal, and wanting to help us make that goal,” said Gustafson. “So that’s been really amazing that people have not only given once, but have … made another donation to help us reach that goal.”
The sooner they reach their goal, the better, but Gustafson said they need to reach the objective by Dec. 31, which is also the end of their fiscal year. But they would like to hit their goal by mid-December.
“It would help us get together and make sure we are able to meet our obligations, and we don’t have to change our budget in any way, so we can make our commitments to … our 15 member agencies and three community projects,” said Gustafson.
The United Way also wants people to know how close they are to their goal, so that it might inspire people to give, in case they missed the telethon, or even if they gave previously.
Gustafson noted that if someone can’t mail or bring their donation to the United Way office, the United Way would be willing to pick up the pledge.
