Article Photos

Members of the community and agencies supported by the Weirton United Way gathered at the Serbian American Cultural Center on Friday where it was announced that 81 percent of the goal has been reached.

Thus far, the Weirton United Way has raised $227,145 of the $280,000 goal for the 2009 Campaign.

Near the end of the meeting, a call for reports was conducted. It was announced that small industries have raised $28,451 of $31,000, or 92 percent; service supply has raised $21,184.84 of $30,500, or 69 percent; retail business has raised $11,278.57 of $13,700, or 82 percent; professionals have raised $18,335.37 of $32,000, or 57 percent; general health has raised $11,836.42 of $13,500, or 88 percent; clubs and organizations have raised $3,445 of $5,000, or 69 percent; general community has raised $19,723.80 of $20,000, or 99 percent; special events has raised $34,567 of $34,925, or 99 percent; United Way Golf Classic raised $50,000 of $50,000, or 100 percent and ArcelorMittal Weirton raised $28,323 of $29,200, or 97 percent.

Tara Sheperd of the Community Bread Basket served as the guest speaker Friday.

Sheperd, who has been involved with the Bread Basket since 2003, stated on Thanksgiving, those who will be gathered with friends and family to celebrate around the table should remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. She shared stories and experiences with the group along with examples from the community of those in need.

"I've seen people with nothing cry tears of joy to be able to feed their families with the food we provide," she said.

Sheperd said last year, the Bread Basket distributed 97 Thanksgiving baskets and planed to give about the same this year. She said if it weren't for members of the community, local churches and the Weirton United Way, none of it would be possible.

Sheperd stated before she was involved with the Bread Basket, she wasn't sure what the United Way was, only that they wanted her money. She said, like so many others, she was wary about giving but now she sees where those dollars go and the gratitude of those in need.

"When you give even one dollar, you are helping someone you will never meet," she said noting every little bit helps.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)