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Not only is the agency finding it difficult to reach its goal of $185,000 for 2008, it's also being hit by a drop pledges to support current year operations.

"Because people have been laid off from work, they're not able to meet payroll deduction pledges," said France. "Some of the people who give us money, now need our help."

He added, "It's kind of a double whammy. We're taking in less for the current campaign year, and we're taking in less for next year's. We need people to continue their pledges if they can."

Since the kick off of the 2008 campaign in September, the United Way has collected $66,954 - 36% of the goal, and $22,000 behind last year's pace.

"This is the worst year I have ever experienced," said France. "We are feeling the affects of the poor economy. It is in times like this that organizations like the United Way are needed. The sad truth is that now is when we need people to give because the need is great, but unfortunately, n ot as many can give."

In an attempt to boost contributions, a second mailing will go out after Thanksgiving to about a thousand long-time supporters that haven't made a pledge for 2008.

"If you are one of those people, and you have decided not to give this year, I ask that you please reconsider. Even if your donation is less than you normally give, every dollar helps," said France.

"If we're lucky enough to have a job, have an income, we need to step up to the plate to help the many who aren't fortunate to have a job and really need it. That becomes truer every day."

He added, "A lot of time people put charitable contributions off. I hope they realize their pledge to the United Way effects so many agencies. The whole idea of the United Way is to give once, and hit 23 agencies at one time."

France cautions if the campaign finishes $20,000 down from last year, "it's going to be really tough. Because the need is getting greater and greater. We're short on money we're pledged for this current year, so at the end of the year we'll more than likely have to reduce quarterly payments to our agencies. At the same time, we're seeing a tremendous increase for serves that are needed...We're already out of money for fuel assistance and shutoffs."

There is a bright spot in the 2008 campaign..

Twenty-four restaurants participated in the October fundraiser, "Eat All Day for the United Way". The event raised more than $2000.

"Eat All Day was very successful", said Virg Strickler United Way president. "We are always very grateful to our local businesses for their participation in our campaign."

Donations can be sent to The United Way of Sanilac County, P.O. Box 245, Lexington, MI 48450. You may designate to any of 23 agencies the Sanilac United Way supports, or indicate a particular area for your donation, for example fuel assistance.

The 23 agencies are: Alzheimer's Association, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Blue Water Center for Independent Living, Person Growth Center, 4-H Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, S.A.V.E Council, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Habitat for Humanity, Lakeshore Legal Aid, United Hospice, the Salvation Army, H.E.L.P, Inc., Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, Catholic Family Services, Goodwill Industries, The Harbor, Safe Horizons, the Literacy Council, Foster Grandparents, and Kids' Connection.