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More People Need Help than Ever Before

[1] United Way of Larimer County Sets Ambitious Fundraising Goal

[Larimer County, CO] – United Way of Larimer County announced today that the nonprofit organization is increasing its annual fundraising goal by 20 percent for the 2010-2011 campaign, which began Thursday, July 1, because of the increased need in the community.

Based on research through United Way of Larimer County supported agencies and programs, the organization needs to set its fundraising goal at $8 million – a 20 percent increase over last year’s annual dollars collected from individuals, grants, and leveraged dollars.

“There continues to be a rising number of people who are struggling in Larimer County, ” said Mary Atchison, senior vice president of Community Investment with United Way of Larimer County. “We carefully reviewed the requests from our supported agencies and programs and this is what they need to help the increasing number of people in need in Larimer County, ” said Atchison.

The organization’s partner agencies have reported significant increases in demands for services over the past year. House of Neighborly Service in Loveland had a 269 percent increase in requests for emergency shelter, the Food Bank for Larimer County served 30 percent more people in 2009 than 2008, and one in four children is receiving free or reduced lunch in the Thompson and Poudre School Districts. “More than ever before, hard working people are struggling and it’s likely that everyone knows someone in need right now in Larimer County, said Keely Aggers, vice president of Resource Development with United Way of Larimer County.

While this is an ambitious, even aggressive goal, president and CEO of United Way of Larimer County, is optimistic the community will respond to the need. “We will continue to work closely with the community to address the most serious issues facing individuals and families, ” said Thibedeau. “Our vision is to meet the needs of those in need, and we must work together to accomplish this goal. ”

For more information, please contact Pam Davis with United Way of Larimer County at 970-407-7008 or pdavis@uwaylc.org [2]