Through the pledges and donations of numerous individuals and businesses, United Way of Scott County has awarded $95,119.25 to local agencies for 2008.

            The allocations committee recently met several times to review requests from several agencies. The amount requested and awarded is as follows:

·        American Red Cross, Scott County Service Center: Requested $9,895; awarded $7,156.

·        Big Brothers Big Sisters of Scott County, mentoring program: Requested $13,000; awarded $5,663.34.

·        Center for Women & Families, outreach services: Requested $7,500; awarded $7,500.

·        Englishton Park, summer youth program: Requested $5,000, awarded $2,419.47.

·        Interfaith Community Council, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Requested $3,000, awarded $2,000.

·        LifeSpan Resources, outreach program: Requested $11,120, awarded $7,138.52.

·        LifeSpan Resources, transportation program: Requested $21,250, awarded $15,482.76.

·        New Hope Services/Kids Place, child care program: Requested $15,000, awarded $6,212.24.

·        Ohio Valley Opportunities/Head Start, child development program: Requested $2,540, awarded $2,540.

·        Reading Is Fundamental, book giveaway grades K-5: Requested $3,000, awarded $3,000.

·        Scott County Partnership, Clearinghouse emergency assistance: Requested $15,000, awarded $15,000.

·        Scott County Partnership, adult literacy program: Requested $10,000, awarded $6,565.

·        Scott County Partnership, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program: Requested $5,000, awarded $5,000.

·        Scott County Family YMCA, scholarship program: Requested $15,000, awarded $9,441.92.

Other United Way programs that will receive funding include the Caring Construction Company, which builds wheelchair ramps for the physically challenged who demonstrate financial need; the annual Day of Caring, in which volunteers work on projects for community members; and Worth the Wait, a program that promotes sexual abstinence among teenagers.

Over $20,000 was designated for outside designations, which are other United Ways and organizations that donors wanted their money specifically sent to.

            “The allocations committee worked diligently to make sure that the funds were distributed to where they felt was the most need,” said Executive Director Barbara Timberlake. “All the requests were very worthy. We wish we could have funded all of them fully.”

            United Way of Scott County’s campaign goal for 2007-2008 was $250,000. Pledges thus far have totaled $191,806, almost 77 percent of the goal. Because of the shortage, the agencies could not have their requests fully funded. However, there are still some companies who have not yet reported campaign results, and donations are still being accepted to reach the goal.

            The funding through United Way helps the agencies carry out their missions and programs. Without the donations from people and companies, many of the programs might not be able to take place.