Staff Writer

Some local non-profit agencies are feeling the pinch of proration and it has nothing to do with the Educational Trust Fund.

Recently, the Pike County United Way Board was forced to prorate funding to its 15 agencies by 50 percent because few donations came in during the fund-raising campaign.

"The pledges are there, but the money’s not there," said Jane Thrash, secretary/bookkeeper for the United Way.

United Way Board president Doc Kirby said board members hated to take such action, but had no alternative.

"We hate having to do it, but we’ve got to be accountable with the money we have," Kirby said. "We can’t do like the government does and go into deficit spending."

He said the proration is the result of people pledging money, but not following through with those promises and those immediately saying "no" when asked to give.

Some businesses, such as Edge Regional Medical Center, have also backed down on their support over the years, Kirby said, adding payroll deduction has always brought in a large portion of donations.

As one who has been involved with the Boy Scouts, Kirby has seen first-hand, how much United Way funding means to the agencies.

The Pike County United Way provides funding for Alabama Easter Seals, American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County, Boy Scouts of America, Colley Senior Complex, East Central Mental Health-Mental Retardation, Pike County 4-H Clubs, Girls Scouts, House of Ruth, Pike County Christmas Program, Pike County Firefighters Association, Pike County YMCA, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Salvation Army and Troy Charity League.

In other words, Kirby said, donations to the United Way help a large segment of the population ­ children and youth, mature citizens and those in need.

"If people have questions about United Way, they need to call us," Kirby said.

Thrash can be reached at 566-0632 or 735-2004.

Donations to the Pike County United Way can be sent to P.O. Box 204, Troy, AL 36081.