United Way of McLeod County Board President Russ Trettin announced today that due to the current economic realities, the regional non-profit will continue its’ 2011-12 campaign until March 31. After meeting with its partner agencies, the UWMC established a $260,000 county-wide need this campaign. Thus far in 2011, the campaign has received pledges of $182,000, or 70% of the need. In years past, United Way campaigns had ended with each calendar year.

“We have seen the tremendous generosity of so many individuals, families and businesses in the region this fall, but despite that, we were not able to reach our goal in 2011 alone,” said Trettin. “We now feel it is in the best interest of our partner agencies to actively campaign through the first quarter of 2012. We do not want to have to cut community grants to agencies that are helping so many in need at this time.”

“By continuing to actively campaign in 2012, it will allow us to explore opportunities, that due to increased volume with a county-wide campaign, we haven’t had the chance to visit yet,” said UWMC Executive Director Paul Thompson. “We owe it to our partner agencies and all the people who benefit from their programs and services to press on toward meeting our county-wide need.”