United Way inching closer to goal

United Way of Eastern New Mexico is less than $25,000 shy of its $525,000 goal and has extended its 2006-2007 campaign until Jan. 19 to allow more time for contributions, according to United Way officials.

Assistant Director Christine Caldwell said donations and pledges topped $500,000 Thursday, putting the organization at more than 95 percent of its community-wide goal.

Caldwell said $437,412 has been raised to date in Curry County and $63,205 in Roosevelt County.

She said the additional time will accommodate companies that conduct United Way campaigns in January as well as give individual contributors the opportunity to “look at providing for their neighbors” after the holidays.

“This is a real generous community,” Caldwell said.

The deadline for nonprofits to submit their funding requests to United Way is Jan. 16, Caldwell said. The requests will be reviewed in February and a final decision made by the board in March, she added.

Individuals may contribute to United Way by calling 769-2103 or going online to http://www.unitedwayenm.org and clicking on the “donate now online” link.