Marion County United Way distributes $10,000 years ago
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
United Way in Marion County allocated $10,000 to area agencies and organizations after its first year of existence.
Recipients were American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Joyful Noise Daycare/Goessel, Marion County 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Communities in Schools, Health Ministries, Main Street Ministries, and United Cerebral Palsy.
According to 2004 chairman Jessie Nikkel, nine corporations made provisions allowing employees to authorize payroll deductions toward United Way, and at least 53 employees contributed in that way. Another 34 individuals and/or businesses made a one-time contribution.
The charity held its annual meeting Jan. 19 in Marion. Nickel praised the work of the advisory board. She singled out Kelly Krch of Lincolnville for special recognition as chairman of the campaign committee for her work in coordinating fund-raising efforts.
Other members of the committee were Kathy Svitak, Annette Voth, Evan Yoder, Deb Gillett, and Melissa Parmley.
Members of the allocations committee were chairman Jerry Hinerman, Larry Nikkel, Lu Janzen, Bruce Skiles, Robert Carlton, Helen Beckham, Rod Richmond, Kevin Fruechting, Tom Koslowsky, and Vince Nikkel.
Recognized as pacesetter contributors were Central National Bank, Emprise Bank, Hillsboro State Bank, Marion County Special Education Cooperative, and USD #410.
The 2004 advisory members elected to serve another year were Carl Long, vice chairman, Kelly Krch, secretary-treasurer/campaign chairman, Jessie Nikkel, Vince Nikkel, and Gordon Mohn.
New members are Helen Beckham, Jayson Hanschu, Lu Janzen, and Sara Hill.
Looking ahead to another year, Jessie Nikkel said, "We should see some growth. We feel it is crucial to have a paid part-time executor who can be out in the community for several hours every week."
Ways are being explored to reduce expenses and obtain grant funds to pay for the position.
Although everyone involved in United Way in Marion County is a volunteer, the organization has ongoing expenses such as advertising, paper and office supplies, and auditing fees.
The charity is an affiliate of Harvey County United Way and pays a monthly fee for services it provides. The fee has been reduced from $250 in 2004 to $75 in 2005.
United Way is an umbrella organization through which contributors can donate to a variety of social services.
