The Centre County United Way achieved about 95 percent of its $875,000 goal during this year's campaign, which officially ended Feb. 12.

The campaign began Sept. 12 and raised $831,229, communications associate Rose Kelly said.

With pledges still coming in, Kelly said the total should reach $850,000, reflecting a 15 percent increase from last year's contributions. Kelly said campaign goals are based on the needs of the agencies the United Way serves.

The Centre County United Way, 117 E. Beaver Ave., helps about 32 agencies within the county, including On Drugs Inc., 236 S. Allen St., the Mid-State Literacy Council, 117 E. Beaver Ave., and the Association for Retarded Citizens, 305 S. Burrowes St.

To receive funds, agencies must become United Way members, which means they must present an annual budget, have regular audits, identify how many people they serve and refrain from holding fund drives during the United Way campaign, Kelly said.

Cutbacks in state and federal aid to nonprofit organizations has hurt these agencies, Kelly said. Many agencies have either reduced their staffs or terminated some programs, she said.

The United Way contributes about 80 percent of its funds to community services. The rest is used to maintain the United Way service.

Sometimes individuals refuse to give to the United Way because of its affiliation with certain agencies, Kelly said.

Although the Centre County United Way contributes only to the Rape/Abuse Crisis Program of the Women's Resource Center, 140 W. Nittany Ave., some potential donators refuse to give because they disagree with the center's pregnancy counseling policies, Kelly said. Funding specific programs, instead of agencies as a whole, is a developing trend, Kelly said.

Other people refuse to give because they do not believe certain organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, are truly needy, she said.

The United Way gives to organizations that try to solve immediate problems and prevent future ones, she added.

Agencies use United Way funds in a variety of ways.

Cyndi Asmus, executive director of the State College Area Family YMCA, 412 W. College Ave., said the donated funds provide financial assistance to people who cannot afford membership or classes offered at the YMCA. She also said contributions help keep prices affordable.

Ron Quinn, executive director of Centre House, a shelter for the homeless located at 217 E. Nittany Ave., said the United Way enables Centre House to offer free medical treatment and life skills education. He also said funding lets the program operate in its present location.