DEERFIELD TWP. — The Warren County United Way hopes to raise $2.2 million — 6.2 percent more than last year — despite the nationwide economic slowdown, the agency announced at Tuesday's campaign kickoff.

        “We've been told that some of our very best companies expect to see a significant decline in United Way giving this year due to the economic environment,” campaign Chairwoman Marilyn Goughenour said.

        But the Pacesetters, four large companies in Warren County that held their United Way campaign earlier than the formal launch, started things off by raising $215,976 — a 125 percent increase over last year, officials said. GE Card Services raised $176,507 of that.

        State Rep. Tom Raga, R-Deerfield Township, took advantage of Tuesday's kickoff to praise United Way for its leadership role in the county. Not only does the county United Way raise money for community agencies, he said, but it's helping to identify and solve social problems.

        “With rapid growth comes a magnified need to ... make sure we're doing all we can to help our families maintain healthy relationships when faced with new and existing challenges,” Mr. Raga said.

        He and the United Way are collaborating on “Vision Warren County: Strengthening Our Families,” a project looking at how to better address such issues as domestic violence, teen pregnancy and drug abuse.

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