Local United Way campaign launched

The Redmond/Sisters United Way annual fund-raising campaign kicked off in Sisters on Friday, October 2.

This year's campaign motto is "The Power of 'U'." The 1998 Redmond/Sisters United Way campaign goal is $90,000, the same as last year's goal.

"Because of 'U' that goal was reached and 93 cents of every dollar contributed was available to agencies that needed human care services in our communities," said United Way volunteer Pat Neufeldt.

Last year, the Sisters community contributed $9,100. This year, the organization hopes to raise $10,000 in Sisters.

United Way agencies serve the entire population from the newborn to the elderly in hospice care, from those in need to youth who need enrichment programs. Direct funding goes to agencies in the Redmond/Sisters area, who administer the services.

So far in 1998, the Central Oregon Council of Aging (COCOA), a United Way agency, has provided 1,120 rides to Sisters area senior citizens, delivered 318 Meals on Wheels and served 1,731 congregate meals at a donated site. Last month Central Oregon Battering and Rape Alliance (COBRA) opened an office in Sisters. During 1997 COBRA received 11 hotline calls from the Sisters area and provided 258 nights of shelter.

Thirty-six percent of the Redmond/Sisters United Way budget goes to youth development. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Campfire Boys and Girls and Boys and Girls Clubs are all recipients of United Way dollars. During 1997 and 1998 $8,000 came to the Sister Schools Foundation and to the Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation through special community grants.

According to Neufeldt, the United Way relies on the local business community to help raise funds. Neufeldt said that Bank of Cascades, Les Schwab Tires, US Bank and First American Title have indicated that they will try for 100 percent employee participation and finish their campaigns by October 15.

The 1998 campaign will continue until November 15.

For more information contact Sisters volunteers, Dave Sullivan, 595-2387, Pat Neufeldt, 549-4006, or Jean Miller 595-6859.