By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The United Way of Greater Niles has achieved 60 percent of its fund-raising goal with pledges it has received from local businesses and schools.
Stauffer added Lakeland Regional Health System, the largest employer in Niles, announced their employees have exceeded their goal this year for United Way donations.
Also, students at Niles Oak Manor Sixth Grade Center collected more than $200 in donations as part of a money war sponsored by the school's student council.
Each student was rewarded with a pin with the campaign slogan “What Matters.”
Last year, more than 11,000 people in the area received services from agencies associated with United Way funding.
The fund-raising goal for this year is $280,000 and the campaign will run through the holiday season. Anyone wishing to make pledges of any amount is encouraged to contact the United Way.
Donations may be sent by mail to P.O. Box 375, Niles, MI 49120 or online at www.unitedwayniles.com
Donations made are used to help fund 17 local non-profit agencies which provide services in the greater Niles area. Agencies helped by the United Way of Greater Niles include, American Red Cross, Berrien County Chapter; Berrien County Cancer Service; Niles-Buchanan YMCA; Salvation Army, Niles; Northside Childcare Center and Big Brother Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass.
More than $10 million has been raised for local charities by the United Way of Greater Niles since its founding in 1953.