United Way Of Rogers, Mayes Counties Needs Help Meeting Funding Goal

After nearly four months of fundraising, the United Way of Rogers and Mayes counties said it is still nowhere near its donations goal.

Now, the group is asking for your help.

The non-profit supports thousands of needy families every day, but some agencies may not get the funding now.

The goal is to raise $500,000 by the end of the year. That money goes to more than 20 different charities in Rogers and Mayes counties, but United Way still needs $100,000, and if it doesn't raise enough money, some local families won't get the help they need.

Meals on Wheels in Claremore bring three meals a week to 80 elderly and disabled people throughout Rogers County.

"We deliver meals to shut-ins - those people who are invalid or cannot fix their own meals," Jack Weyler said.

It operates entirely on donations and volunteers, and about a third of its funds comes from the United Way of Rogers and Mayes counties.

If that $12,000 does not come through this year, Weyler said, “We would have to shut down or cut back from three to two meals, or maybe one meal a week."

Catherine Woldridge hopes none of that happens, but, as the executive director for the local United Way, she's concerned.

"This year is going to be critical. If we can't raise the funds, then there will be some agencies that will be dropped altogether, and others will have reduced funding," she said.

She said the United Way depends heavily on local businesses, but many are experiencing layoffs and can no longer afford to donate.

It's a blow to charities like The Manger, which offers baby supplies and clothes to needy families, and to those waiting for their Meals on Wheels.

"It means they can't help families, they can't put gasoline in the car for those people who are delivering meals for Meals on Wheels," Woldridge said.

If you'd like to donate, you can mail a check to P.O. Box 1165, Claremore, OK 74018 or call 918-343-1165.