United Way still needs donations

Lafayette - United Way of Greater Lafayette Executive Director James Taylor said this year's fund raising efforts have been somewhat
of a struggle because of the nation-wide financial situation.

"We know with the economic situation that the challenges are rising as to what people's needs will be. We would anticipate that folks doing utility assistance, dealing with some of the financial crisis issues will probably experience a greater challenge," said Taylor.

Another one of those basic needs is food.

"They'll be continuing needs for programs like the backpack program for Food Finders runs that we fund. Those kinds of things will continue to not only help meet the basic needs, but also help enable those children to learn more successfully and move forward," said Taylor.

Taylor said thousands of dollars have already rolled in from some of the larger employers in the area.

"Purdue University is a major portion of the campaign, Caterpillar, Eli Lilly, Subaru of Indiana, St. Elizabeth Regional Health, Clarian Arnett. Basically, the larger employers do a major job for us," said Taylor.

To donate call the United Way office at (765) 742-9077. 

You can also visit the United Way of Greater Lafayette's website at www.unitedwaylafayette.org.

At the completion of this story, the United Way of Greater Lafayette still needed $193,000 to reach its goal.