raising efforts here

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Nov. 11, 2000 10 PM

Some money has been collected, but it’s a long way from the goal.

The Pike County United Way 2000 Campaign is underway and, as of Thursday morning, $4,915 had been pledged and $1,615 had been collected, said Jane Thrash, secretary for the United Way. She said, another $3,000 has been pledged through payroll deduction.

"United Way is a way we can give together, share together and help our community," Thrash told members of the Exchange Club of Troy.

The United Way of Pike County offers financial support to 14 agencies ­ Alabama Easter Seals, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, East Central Mental Health, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), House of Ruth, Pike County Christmas Program, Troy Charity League, Salvation Army, Pike County YMCA, Colley Senior Complex and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County.

A total of $100,000 is pledged to these organizations and without the generosity of Pike County citizens, it won’t be possible to help, Thrash said.

During the annual fund-raising campaign, the Pike County United Way board members are hoping to raise $130,000.

"Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could see the agencies get more?" Thrash asked the club members.

Thrash said "each of us can think of someone who’s been helped" by at least one of the organizations under the United Way umbrella.

"Every day we hear about our kids getting in trouble in the streets," Thrash said. "Why not get involved?"

One way to do that is by giving through payroll deduction, a one-time donation or corporate gift.

"My plea to you is, think about what you can do," Thrash said.

She said the United Way is "a way you can touch so many lives with a small gift."

Anyone who has not been contacted by a board member and would like to give to the United Way should call (334) 735-2004.