United Way comes up short

The United Way of Thurston County is only 60 percent towards its goal of raising $1.4 million, echoing the pleas of other social service agencies, that it’s a tough year.

The United Way has only raised $800,000 with its campaign which ran from September to December of 2008.  In order to make up the shortfall, the agency is extending its campaign until March 31.

But United Way isn’t the only agency in financial trouble.  Lacey Councilmember Virgil Clarkson said that the Salvation Army’s bell ringing this past holiday season has also come up short of its goal.

There’s some talk among social service agencies that there are too many agencies and that some are duplications.  Lacey Mayor Graeme Sackrison pointed out that there are four local agencies all dealing with tenant rights.   He suggested that a consolidation to two or maybe even one, might be a possible solution.

In a related matter, the United Way’s Pam Toal said that her agency is beginning its assessment of community needs.   Other players in the assessment are The Evergreen State College, Intercity Transit, Thurston County Public Health, Thurston Regional Planning Council and St. Peter Hospital.

Data collection has begun with analysis and writing of the document in the Spring and released to the public in the Fall of this year.

The agency did a similar assessment in 2003.  This is an update.