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United Way Of Pasco Struggling Through Grip Of Recession

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: March 11, 2009

PORT RICHEY - United we stand, divided we fall. That apparently is the motto of many contributors to the annual fundraising campaign for United Way of Pasco, who keep on giving despite the recession.

So far, the amount raised is about 2 percent below donations last year, according to Susan Arnett, president of United Way of Pasco.

The goal is to raise about $1.625 million, about the same as last year, to share among a few dozen nonprofit community groups. United Way of Pasco had bucked the trends in 2008 as well, with donations a year ago up about 12 percent.

Many other United Way organizations around the country have seen double-digit declines in contributions this year, Arnett reports.

"All of us are suffering," Arnett remarked. Foreclosures and rising unemployment are dragging down the economy.

"We are definitely feeling the impact of the economy on our campaign," Arnett elaborated in written comments. "Some employee groups are giving more because they see the need. Some are giving less because of fewer employees and loss of business going to the bottom line."

The need is greater than ever among the community groups the United Way assists.

Phone calls for help to pay utility bills, rent, mortgages and food have increased more than 30 percent at United Way's 2-1-1 information hotline.

So United Way is teaming up with Chasco Fiesta this year to launch a food drive with a collection point in Sims Park for canned goods at the event March 19-29.

United Way also will stage the Chasco Fiesta Norgard Insurance Kayak Race to raise funds. More than 70 entrants are expected for the event, to be held March 28 on the Pithlachascotee River. Call 727-835-2029 or go online to www.unitedwaypasco.org> for more information.

Publix is still stepping up this year as the United Way's top supporter. About $700,000 total toward the Pasco campaign has come from the Lakeland-based supermarket chain and its employees. Much of the money is coming from payroll deductions of workers.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office is staging a campaign among its employees for the first time in several years, Arnett added.

Wachovia gave an extra $10,000 to help.

Pasco County got a $36,000 grant from the Internal Revenue Service for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. VITA offers free tax help for people with low or moderate incomes.

Federal funds for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency increased from $77,000 to $317,000 in Pasco. The money is to be used for basic needs, such as food, shelter and utilities, Arnett explained.

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