By Carolyn Cole/Staff Writer
published Jan. 3, 2008

Donors have pushed contributions to The United Way of Canadian County to the 90 percent mark, and organizers say their $115,000 goal is within reach.

So far, Canadian County coordinator Aaron Diment said donations have outpaced last year by about $5,000. In the 2006 donation drive, area residents contributed $111,000. However, he said volunteers are still concerned about the charity’s bottom line as a possible slowdown in the economy could affect donors’ generosity.

“It just seems charitable giving is down all of the way around,” he said.

The United Way of Canadian County receives the bulk of its funding from donations given through payroll deductions by employees at area businesses and government institutions, he said. The charity also receives funds from employees who work in other counties, but may live in Canadian County, and who specify they want their contribution to return to their home county when they make their donation.

While these contributions boosted The United Way of Canadian County budget to $190,000 for 2007, Diment said there isn’t any way to predict giving for the next year.

“We have a great community who knows what the United Way is about,” he said.

The United Way of Canadian County supports 15 member charitable organizations, which Diment said is audited annually by a volunteer committee made up of donors.

“This adds credibility to the United Way process and to the organizations,” he said.

Charities receiving United Way dollars include The American Red Cross of Canadian County, the county’s Boy Scouts of America, Blessing Baskets, Boys and Girls Club of Darlington, Canadian County 4-H, Canadian County Court Appointed Special Advocates, El Reno Community Clinic, Russell-Murray Hospice, Salvation Army of Canadian County and Youth and Family Services.

The United Way also supports CARTS House, which provides abused children with a safe environment to be interviewed, and Women’s Service and Family Resource Center, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including shelter, food and necessities.

Okarche’s Center of Family Love home for adults with developmental disabilities also receives support, in addition to Yukon’s Compassionate Hands, which offers transportation for the elderly and disabled and helps families in crisis situations. Yukon Sharing is also a member agency that offers food, clothes, furniture, prescriptions, utility and rental assistance for needy families.

To be eligible to receive United Way assistance, Diment said charities must account for every dollar spent and be accountable. To become a United Way partner, he said groups must go through a rigid application process, but assistance is available to guide volunteers.

“We have to make sure we are good stewards of the people’s money,” he said

Every dollar donated to the United Way of Canadian County helps local organizations, Diment said, adding he is the only paid employee. His part-time salary is covered in the United Way of Central Oklahoma budget and doesn’t draw any dollars from Canadian County.

“We want our money that is raised here to stay here,” he said.

To give, visit the Web site at www.unitedwayokc.org or call 236-GIVE. To designate a donation to return to Canadian County, use the four-digit code 7900. To reach Diment, call 717-7951.

Taxpayers wishing to deduct a charitable donation from their 2007 income taxes must make the donation by Dec. 31. Diment said all donors receive a thank-you letter that can be used as part of their tax records.