Lisa Marchesoni
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2009 6:37 am

United Way supporters have pledged $2.4 million toward the record $3 million goal.
Donations are coming in daily, said United Way President Rachel Holder.

“Despite the economy, job losses and general tightening of our nation’s purse strings, our local campaign has remained strong thanks to our very generous supporters,” Holder said. “We have found that in these tough times, people have stepped up to help those in need around them, realizing that it’s their own neighbors, co-workers and friends who are receiving aid from United Way.”

United Way donations support 47 agencies in Rutherford and Cannon counties. More than one in four people in the two-county area receive services from a member agency.
Most industries and businesses have completed their campaigns 2009.

“We will announce our top 10 companies and division winners on March 5, but I can say that we have seen some huge increases in donations from local employees at our partner companies this year,” Holder said. “We have also been affected by some of the lay-offs and similar circumstances, but our companies have worked with us to lessen the impact as much as possible.

“We are also grateful for those who have stepped up to give more realizing that this might take a toll on our campaign this year, and to those who have chosen to fulfill their pledges regardless of their circumstances,” the president said.

People who have not made a donation may log onto the United Way Website at www.uwrutherford.org and click on GIVE.

“We have definitely seen an increase in online donations,” Holder said. “I think people find it easy and secure. We have tried to let people know this year what an easy option online giving can be if they are not reached through a company campaign.”

Donors can also mail a check to the office at 836 Commercial Court, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37129. Staff members can also take credit cards over the phone by calling 893-7303 or set up an automatic draft from a donor’s checking account.

Holder urged people who plan to give to pledge by the March 5 campaign celebration.
Deadline to enter the “Chase the Cars” promotion to win a new car is the end of February.

More donations are expected through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.