United Way struggles toward goal

Staff Reports



MOULTRIE -- With the loss of campaigns at Ball Container Plant and Wells Aluminum, United Way of Colquitt County is struggling to reach its goal.

Ball has closed up shop and Wells Aluminum announced that it also would close this year.

"This year our campaign goal is the largest ever at $325,000," said Angela Castellow, executive director of Colquitt County's United Way. "And we have three new agencies for 2003, Children's Advocacy Center, Girl Scouts and Serenity House."

The addition of these three agencies brings the total number of United Way-supported agencies to 22.

This past year, the United Way has given away car seats and provided assistance to Boy Scout troops through the Tommy Bender Fund. Special Grant assistance from United Way provided handicap accessible doors at the YMCA, assistance for the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council summer camp, items for the arts program at the Colquitt County Arts Center and items for the Moultrie Senior Center.

Castellow said that campaign representatives are working hard to reach their goals. The insurance division, led by David Durham, is up 65 percent from last year's campaign, and Oakwood Homes, led by Sylvia Weeks, is up from last year's campaign by 41 percent.

"We always have great people who work on the campaigns and do a great job," said Castellow.

If the campaign goal is not met, the board will have to revisit how the money will be distributed.

Last year, the campaign surpassed its goal, raising $304,236. It was the first time that the local campaign collected more than $300,000.

"Please consider your gift today to the United Way," said Castellow. "Our goal this year is higher than ever before, but when everyone gives a little, we can achieve the goal."