Winding down, coming up short | Letters | March 13

Published 3:55 pm Thursday, March 12, 2009

The United Way of Kitsap County Annual Workplace Campaign is winding down – in more ways than one! Throughout this year’s campaign, donations and pledged donations have been ahead of last year’s campaign. Over the past couple of weeks, however, a trend toward declining pledges and actual contributions has surfaced. Now we are $34,000 behind last year’s total at the same time frame.

To some, $34,000 would not seem like a lot; but, add to that the $34,000 growing uncollectible rate (pledges not contributed), which averages 8.5 percent annually. That noncollectable rate has escalated this year to about 12.5 percent. United Ways across the state report falling behind last year’s total pledges and contributions, and they expect their collectible rates to double that 8.5 percent average.

While the annual campaign dwindles and the noncollectable rate climbs, we see the human need in our community growing exponentially. United Way of Kitsap County surveyed nonprofit health and human service agencies in the county. We found that these service providers are experiencing as much as 30 percent increases in requests for services and assistance.

Those same agencies have experienced funding cuts of up to 30 percent from both public and private sources. This spells trouble for many people and for many of our nonprofit service agencies that are a lifeline for many individuals and families.

We are issuing this appeal to you to LIVE UNITED by supporting United Way. There is no better time than now to make a tax-deductible donation. Your check can be sent to United Way of Kitsap County, 647 4th St., Bremerton, WA 98337 or call (360) 377-8505 to arrange to contribute via credit card.

David Foote

Executive Director