PLYMOUTH — The United Way of Marshall County held its annual meeting Wednesday night and announced allocations from the 2008 campaign.
Due to the difficult economy experienced during the most critical months of the campaign (October and November, 2008), the board of directors extended the campaign until Feb. 6, 2009 in order to reach as much of the original goal as possible.

While the campaign was underway, the allocations committee was revising the process for reviewing funding requests.
In an effort to better understand the community’s needs, and for the first time, the United Way invited existing, as well as new not-for-profit organizations addressing health and human service needs for residents of Marshall County to submit a request for funding for 2009.
The committee introduced a "Letter of Intent" document for organizations to submit by Dec. 1, 2008, The allocations committee then reviewed the letters and invited eligible organizations to submit full applications.
Also for the first time, the committee members conducted site visits of each invited applicant.
"I was so glad to go and see the agencies’ facilities, learn about their processes firsthand, and even meet a few clients," said Jessica Oliver, chair of the Allocations Committee. "It was a positive experience for our committee members, volunteers and agencies."
Following the extensive review of applications (which included agency information, program goals and outcomes, financial] records and tax returns) and the site, the committee began the difficult task of determining how the community's donations would best be spent.
"We had a lengthy and honest discussion about each organization's capabilities and effectiveness,” said Tom Blackburn, committee member. "It was a very fair process," added committee member Paul Murasko.
Upon completion of the process, the allocations committee presented their recommendations to the board of directors.
President Vickie Talcott said, “Again, a deliberate and fair discussion ensued at the March board meeting with directors who had not been involved at the committee level. We all took the allocation decisions very seriously and made sure we all agreed prior to approving the committee's recommendations."
Incoming President Rick Kreps is sincerely appreciative of the support from both the community and local businesses.
"This annual fundraising endeavor is a vital component of providing services to the citizens of Marshall County, not only does Un-ited Way ensure there is a safety net for individuals during hard times, we also support local programs that improve lives in the areas of income, education and health," Kreps said.
“When you donate to the United Way of Marshall County, you are helping your family, your friends, your neighbors and yourself,” he explained. “Dollars collected in Marshall County stay in Marshall County to fund programs and services that benefit everyone. You can personally see your money at work.”
The United Way of Marshall County advances the common good by focusing on the building blocks to a good life: income, education and health.
“When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. That's what it means to Live United,” said Jennifer S. Maddox, executive director.
For more information, contact Maddox at 574-936-3366 or visit the Web site at www.marshallcountyuw.org.