by Jennifer Biller

STAFF WRITER

United Way of Harrison County reached its campaign goal of $735,000 on Monday.

A contribution of more than $1,600 from Harrison Rural Electrification Association and its employees pushed the agency over its goal, said Julie Perine, marketing associate for United Way of Harrison County.

The campaign began in September and since then has received donations from a number of companies, employees and individuals.

"The United Way of Harrison County is very appreciative to the community and every business, organization and individual who contributed in any way to make the goal a reality," Perine said.

"People in this community, out of compassion and concern, have united together to accomplish this goal," she added.

The money raised through the United Way is distributed to health and human resource agencies in the area to help provide services.

Funds from this year's campaign have been allocated to the following agencies: American Red Cross, ARC of Harrison County, Bi-County Nutrition, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Black Diamond Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, CASA, Criss-Cross, Family Service, 4-H Scholarship Fund, Harrison County Sheltered Workshop and Harrison County YMCA.

Money was also allocated to Health Access, Hope Inc., Task Force on Domestic Violence, Kids on the Block, Literacy Volunteers of Harrison County, People's Hospice, Rainbow House, Salvation Army, Scott's Place Homeless Shelter, Senior Care of North Central West Virginia and the YWCA of Harrison County.

While the goal has been met for this year, the United Way can always use donations, Perine said.

"There are always emergency needs that come up through the year and the agencies come to us for money, so it's nice to have a little extra than what our goal is," she said.

To make a donation to the United Way call 624-6337 for more information.

Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1449 or jbiller@exponent-telegram.com.