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The United Way Board of Directors has voted to cut fourth quarter allocations by 50%, according to Kent France, United Way director.

The reduced allocations of approximately $15,000-$20,000 represent12% of the total allocations for 2007, and reflect unmet pledges for the current operating year caused by layoffs, retirements, and other factors.

Coupled with the unfilled pledges is the dramatic decrease in contributions for the 2008 campaign that began in September and was supposed to end in mid-December.

The campaign stands at $96,000, which is 52% of the goal of $185,000, and off last year's pace by around $20,000.

"That's what's really scary," said France.

"We must remain solvent, and in order to come close to balancing out this year, we had no choice other than to make these cuts," he said.

Agencies were warned last spring, when the 2007 allocations were announced, that cuts might become necessary because of the poor economy, said France.

He said the board anticipated unmet pledges for the current operating year might be off by about $7000, but it's been worse, as laid-off workers and others have not been able to fulfil their promises.

"We knew we were going to take a hit. But this year, when it's running at $20,000, we can't take that hit (and not cut allocations)," said France.

The United Way has also reduced its own operating expenses. France said "zero" supplies have been purchased for the campaign. Instead, the organization has relied on donations of paper and other supplies. The telephone budget has also been cut in half by the elimination of one of two phone lines into the office, travel mileage is down, and France uses his personal phone for any long distance calls related to the campaign.

"The problem intensifies each day," said United Way board vice-president Lyn Regentin of Deckerville. "The needs (of the 23 agencies) increase and our funds decrease. We have some very important decisions to make as we face the January allocation process...We always anticipate losses but not the level we are seeing this year."

The news isn't all doom and gloom.

On a positive note, the board learned that the Citizens First Foundation match has been attained. Citizens First pledged $10,000 for any new or increased money during the current campaign, and that goal has been reached with new monies totaling $10,433.

More than 600 letters have also gone out to long-time supporters that haven't been heard from this year. Board members and staff will also attempt to contact contributors in person in the next few weeks.

"We need new donors to offset those who are unable to give this year," said Virgil Strickler, sheriff of Sanilac County and president of the United Way board.

"This next month will be crucial, and we ask everyone to remember us this Christmas season. A gift to the United Way gives all year round."

Agencies impacted by the 50% cut include: Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Family Services, United Hospice Services, 4-H Council, Eva's Place, Child Abuse Prevention Council;

Literacy Council, H.E.L.P., Inc., Blue Water Center for Independent Living, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Red Cross,

Safe Horizons, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Alzheimer's Association, Goodwill, the Harbor, Kids' Connection, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, Habitat for Humanity, Personal Growth Center and Foster Grandparents.

Questions for the United Way can be directed to 810-359-7300. Donations may be sent to The United Way of Sanilac County, P.O. Box 245, Lexington, MI 48450.