ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, January 8 – The board of directors of the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John urged residents and businesses in the St. Thomas-St. John district to support the ongoing fundraising campaign, which must raise nearly $297,000 over the next three weeks in order to make the 2003 goal of $650,000.

The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John provides financial support to member human services agencies serving the two islands. If the United Way is unable to meet its goal, the agencies will suffer cutbacks in their allocations during 2003. A reduction in operating revenue could cause many agencies to reduce or eliminate needed charitable programs serving the residents of the community.

Campaign Chair Steve Jones appealed to the community to not let that happen. “I urge everyone to find the means to contribute to the United Way. We’re not asking for a lot from each person. But please consider that just one or two dollars a week can make the difference in keeping these agencies operating for the benefit of every one of us. As a community, it is our responsibility to help those less fortunate, and the United Way is the best way to do just that.”

Jones praised those individuals and businesses that have contributed to the campaign so far. He stated, “There are those among us who do understand the importance of giving to the United Way. For example, the 25 employees of The Sea Chest contributed a total of $6,800 to the 2003 campaign, nearly $340 per person on the average. This is an amazing effort and I urge others to consider giving something, anything they can afford, to the United Way.” He added that this could easily be done by delivering or mailing in your pledge to the United Way, Nisky Center, Suite 220, St. Thomas, VI 00802.

The United Way's member agencies currently include: American Red Cross, V. I. Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Carabana Ensemble Theatre Company, Catholic Charities of the V.I., Civil Air Patrol, Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas, Dial-A-Ride St. John, Downstreet People's Youth in Action, Ebenezer Gardens, Friends of Volunteers in Public Schools, Girl Scout Council of the V.I., Legal Services of the V.I., Shaky Acres, V. I. Institute for Teaching and Learning, Fair Havens Summer Camp, Lutheran Reformation Summer Program, and St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program.