Fire victims to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are just some of the people you are helping when you donate to The United Way.

As the Mar. 1 campaign deadline approaches, United Way has only raised 70 percent of its goal.

Representatives say they worry that if the $900,00 goal isn't met, the agencies it assists will suffer.

"We could cut an agency all together," said The United Way's Janie Brown. "We could just cut back on the funding they receive or not take new agencies. Everything depends on how much we raise."

And when you consider the help the seventeen agencies provide across the community, reduced funding makes a big difference.

"I don't think everyone understands how much need is in this community but there is a lot of need in this community," said Brown.

Ailene Preston was introduced Tuesday night during the FOX Meridian town hall meeting. She moved to Meridian after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home and she now lives in a new home built by Habitat for Humanity.

"I cried many a night," said Preston. "I shed tears and it hurts now but they are tears of joy."

Not only did Preston receive assistance from Habitat, but also from six other United Way-funded agencies that helped her get on her feet again.

"When you give to United Way you are giving to the community and giving to the agencies that give to this community," said Brown.

It's still not too late to do an individual pledge or a corporate campaign. If you are interested, you may contact:
The United Way.
2003 23rd Avenue, Meridian, Miss. 39301 OR P.O. Box 5376
Meridian, Miss. 39302
Phone: 601.693.2732
Fax: 601.693.2748
Email: general@unitedforunitedway.org

These are the seventeen agencies that receive support from the local United Way:

American Red Cross - Key Chapter
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boy Scouts of America
Boys & Girls Club
Care Lodge
Community of Hope Tutoring Program
Foster Grandparent Program
Friendship Center
Girl Scouts
Habitat for Humanity
Hope Village for Children
Meals on Wheels Program
Meridian Speech & Hearing Center
Rebuilding East Mississippi (REM)
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Salvation Army
Wesley House