Kane Co. United Way dials down expectations

People's need for help hasn't diminished, but the local community's pocketbook has.

The United Way of Central Kane County, recognizing that, has lowered its goal for its latest fundraising campaign. In past years, it's asked people for $550,000 or more. For its 2009-10 campaign it is seeking $500,000.

"We're just being realistic about how much money we asked for," United Way executive director Paula Yensen said. "We're being respectful of our contributors" due to the downturn in the economy.

The campaign started Tuesday morning at a continental breakfast that brought together representatives of some of the 40 programs that receive money from the United Way, including the Salvation Army's Golden Diners program, the Community Crisis Center of Elgin and Tri-City Family Services.

"I can't stress the importance of our mission and what we're here to do," said Matt Richardson, vice-chairman of the campaign.

Many employers give workers the opportunity to donate through a deduction from their paychecks. Individuals can also donate online at unitedwayofcentralkanecounty.org, or mail a check to the group at P.O. Box 473, St. Charles, IL 60174.

The board of directors will decide next June how to allocate the money.

Yensen said the United Way's board of directors decided this summer the donations from the 2008-09 campaign will focus on "safety net" services, such as helping people pay utility bills and providing meals for senior citizens, and paying for low-income youth to attend summer camp and Boy and Girl Scouts.

United Way of Central Kane County serves residents of Elburn, Kaneville, Wasco, Campton Hills, Geneva and St. Charles and nearby unincorporated areas.