United Way in danger of missing fundraising goal

The United Way of East Central Iowa is in danger of missing its annual fundraising goal for the first time in seven years, officials said Monday.

“We've been fighting an uphill battle against difficult economic conditions and significant employee reductions or plant closures at a number of companies,” Lois Buntz, president and CEO of the Cedar Rapids agency, said. “At this point, projections indicate that we will be short of reaching our campaign goal and perhaps short of last year's attainment.”

After last year's fall campaign exceeded its goal, bringing in a record $10,416,000, this year's goal was set at $10.5 million. The campaign supports more than 40 area non-profit partner agencies.

“While we still need to make up for dollars we're missing due to economic factors, there is still reason to believe that we can reach our goal,” said campaign co-chair Dennis Jordan.

Co-chair Beth Malicki said campaign organizers have asked major contributors to consider increasing their donations.

Individuals or organizations wishing to make a contribution to this year's United Way Campaign can send a check to United Way of East Central Iowa, 1030 Fifth Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. People can call United Way's office at (319) 398-5372 to have a contribution charged to their credit card, or they may donate online at www.uweci.org.