Excitement was in the air on Thursday, December 6, when final totals were given for the 2002 United Way Campaign. According to Rosemary Levings, Executive Director, two weeks before the campaign deadline, the total was at $126,000. Letters were sent to past donors from whom the United Way had not heard from and calls were made to divisions following up on their campaigns. In doing so, many responded to the needs of the county. Pat Tuttle, Chair for the campaign, worked diligently with government agencies. With several companies downsizing and the events of September 11, the committee was concerned of a shortfall of reaching the goal.

The goal for Campaign 2002 was 135,000. So far, $140,034 has been pledged and money is still coming in. Sherry Cook, co-chair, was excited to hear the news, saying, "Morrow County is a caring community and showed this by leading the way for United Way agencies to help continue services to the residents of Morrow County."

Levings said that many of the divisions exceeded their goals this year. Morrow County Hospital employees "Lead the way" by being the largest employee donor this year with $15, 783. Mt. Gilead Schools donated more than Cardington, Highland, and Northmor combined with $3,200. $60,000 in donations was received from out-of-county sources.