United Way hits Curry goal, Roosevelt is short

The United Way of Eastern New Mexico surpassed its fund-raising goal in Curry County by almost 2 percent, though Roosevelt County fell short of its goal, Executive Director Erinn Burch said on Friday.

Curry County residents pledged $419,166, Burch said, compared to a goal of $412,005 for the county.

Roosevelt County residents pledged $55,949, about 20 percent less than the county goal of $70,000, Burch said.

Friday marked the end of the 2005 fund-raising campaign, Burch said.

The two counties combined to donate about $33,000 more than in 2004, and donations from local hospitals and schools increased by 25 percent, Burch said.

Donated money benefits programs that provide food, clothes, shelter and services to people in need. Last year, 25 programs from 17 organizations received United Way funds, Burch said.

Programs interested in receiving funds apply annually to the United Way. In 2004, only two programs that applied for funding were denied, Burch said.

Once programs are marked for funding, community volunteers determine the amount to allocate. Between 55 and 70 volunteers for both counties will be selected from applications submitted to the United Way of Eastern New Mexico. Donors as well as people from all walks of life are encouraged to volunteer, Burch said.

Volunteers will review program applications throughout February and determine the amount of funds to allocate to accepted programs. The budget projections will be finalized and approved at a United Way of Eastern New Mexico board meeting in March. Checks will be sent to accepted programs in March, quickly after funding amounts are approved by the board, Burch said.

“The needs of the community determine how much they (programs) get. Funding is based on the efficacy of the program. ... Not by a formula. Every year will look different,” Burch said.

Late givers can still pledge money to the United Way. Donations can be dropped off at 1215 N. Main St., Burch said.