United Way asks for one dollar a week

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - The United Way was asking for help, as it struggled to assist so many clients. Officials said, all it took was a commitment of $1 a week.

"We're asking people who give now or have never given, can you give a dollar a week. If you give a dollar week now, can you give a dollar more?" said Doug Linebarger, Executive Director of the United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison County.

With about one month left until the annual campaign started to wind down, Linebarger's United Way chapter was about 50% away from meeting its $1.5 million goal. Not nearly enough to support the 55 charities relying on them for funding, said Linebarger.

The charities touched all walks of life. From children, to the unemployed, to those in hospice care, and the elderly, all charities were struggling.

Clark County's 211 information and referral line had seen an increase in calls for help from people requiring emergency services.

"I just ran statistics, we've had 300 calls since September 1st for emergency assistance of some sort. Rent, utilities, and those kinds of things," said Lin Wagner, Director of Community Services for the United Way.

It had also seen a 40% increase in first time callers, that's people who have never needed help before.

With funding slashed from the local and state level, officials said many charities were struggling to keep their doors open. Some were talking about merging services, and the waiting list to get help was much longer..

"There are several charities right now that are pretty much week to week. Some that are having difficulty making payroll," said Linebarger.

If you would like to contribute a dollar or more a week to help the United Way, you can contact them by dialing 211, or just call the charity of your choice to make a donation.