United Way extends deadline

The United Way of Eastern New Mexico Board of Directors has announced it will extend the 2005-2006 United Way Fund-raising Campaign until Jan. 13.

Dianna Thompson, UWENM 2005 campaign chair, said the charitable organization needs more time to make sure all donations are counted.

“Our fund-raising efforts were put behind schedule by the hurricane worries (on the Gulf Coast) and the possible closure of Cannon Air Force Base.”

A news release issued by United Way said $343,071 has been donated or pledged to the campaign, which is 71 percent of the dual county goal of $482,005.

United Way officials said they will continue to collect pledges and donations through Jan. 13 to meet the needs of families and children in Curry and Roosevelt counties.

“Many of United Way’s faithful workplace donors like (Eastern New Mexico University) and city of Clovis are still finishing their campaigns while some, such as ENMR and Sunland Peanuts, have just recently begun their fund-raising drives,” said Erinn Burch, the organization’s executive director.

“In addition, several first-time workplace campaigns, such as Cummins Gas Engines and Milk Transport Services, are also wanting to join this year’s drive and will need the next few weeks to gather donations/pledges from their personnel.”

A Blessing Tree will be set up Tuesday on the square in Portales as an invitation for Roosevelt County residents to come out and “bless the families in their community,” a United Way press release said.

Officials said every gift, large or small is important. For information, call 769-2103.