Tough economic times means more calls for assistance to the United Way of South Central Georgia. Unfortunately, the agency that helps fund 17 other agencies and provides at least 60,000 separate services each year is also feeling the financial pinch.

“When people need help the most, we are having a hard time finding the resources,” said Tom Call, who serves as the agency’s vice president and as this year’s campaign chairman. “Our agencies help children and the elderly who really can’t help themselves because they have no control.”

Carol Johnson, executive director, said she used to receive 10-15 calls per week for services and that now many people call each day and say they need help paying their electricity and water bills and that they have been evicted from their apartments and homes for failing to make payments.

“These are young families who have been laid off and gotten behind on their bills,” Johnson said. “I don’t have anyone to refer them to because we are all out of money.”

The United Way kicked off its 2008 fundraising campaign in late August and decided to focus on “lives changed” rather than a specific dollar amount.

Johnson said the agency lost contributions from several major corporate sponsors when local plants closed and other manufacturing companies have reduced the number of hours their employees work, making it difficult for those employees to contribute as they have in the past.

Call said all of the agencies the United Way serves are “conservative and wise with their money.” Agencies funded by United Way have to re-apply for funding yearly and aren’t guaranteed for renewal each year. Johnson said the national United Way organization allows administration of local United Ways to spend up to 15 percent of its budget for operations. Johnson said the local agency has operated at 8 percent of its budget for the last three years.

“Many are having to cut services,” Johnson said. “The Girl Scouts have cut their staff by 50 percent.”

Johnson said the money United Way gives to the Girl Scout and Boy Scout organizations is used to fund scholarships for children who can’t afford to participate in camps. The Tifton Soup Kitchen served 75-90 people a hot meal every day last year. This year, Johnson said, volunteers there are serving as many as 165 people daily.

Johnson said some people, such as working parents of small children, tell her they would like to volunteer and help the United Way and the agencies it serves but they just don’t have the time. She suggests that there is a way for everyone to help.

“If everyone would give one hour’s wage, even at minimum wage, per month, we would raise $3 million in our five-county area,” Johnson said.

Call said he, United Way President Bonnie Sayles and Executive Director Carol Johnson are available to speak to civic clubs or groups of employees. To schedule a speaking engagement, call Johnson at 382-2881.

The United Way of South Central Georgia assists 17 local agencies, including:

• The American Red Cross

• The Betty Jo Roach United Way Community Center (a community resource facility serving more than 500 people throughout the year)