With three weeks remaining in the 2006-2007 appeal, the United
Way of the Bradford Area has raised 75 percent of its $375,000 goal
as of today.

While local United Way officials have expressed gratitude for
being able to raise such a large amount of money in a short time,
they are also emphasizing the need to collect the remaining 25
percent.

“There’s still a lot to be done,” according to United Way
Assistant Director Amanda Wilton Davis, “but we have tremendous
support from our campaign co-chairs, David and Diana Ferguson, who
are currently making phone calls and submitting letters to remind
the community that we still need your help.”

United Way staff will be visiting area organizations and
businesses this week “making the final plea,” a release from the
United Way said.

While the need to make this year’s goal is as intense as ever,
records indicate the organization -ðwhich benefits dozens of local
agencies and programs – has been fortunate enough to meet its goal
every year since 2002.

“We’re confident in what we can do, but also in what the
residents of Bradford do,” Executive Director Kristen Tate Luther
said. She stressed the importance of raising the money, all of
which, she said, stays in the Bradford community.

“Unfortunately, there are needs,” Luther said, “but thankfully,
there are many agencies and programs which receive funding through
this annual drive that are organized to assist those needs.”

While discussing the different factors that determine the
outcome of the United Way’s campaign, Davis said praise should be
given to the residents of the community who do what they can.

“As you’re driving through other communities and you see the
similar United Way thermometers, be proud of what we (as a
community) accomplish in, really, a short time,” she said.

Luther echoed that sentiment, adding local United Way officials
will continue to crunch numbers for some time yet; the annual
campaign which kicked off Aug. 15, concludes Dec. 15.

“We ask that you make a pledge today, with the comfort of
knowing that you can make arrangements to pay on that pledge
throughout the coming year,” she said.

For more information about making a pledge, or about the United
Way, contact the office on Main Street in Bradford.