PORT TOWNSEND — For the first time in its 52-year history, United Good Neighbors will reduce the amount of money it will give to service agencies in the area.
The organization, which first started collecting money for local agencies in 1957 as a United Way affiliate, will drop its fundraising goal from $275,000 to $250,000 for the 2010 campaign, which takes place from September through November of this year.
The agency said the reduction results from reduced donor contributions.
In 2009, UGN provides support to 38 programs. The agency says it places the highest priority on programs that represent a “community safety net” and which provide the most basic services – food, shelter and health care.
Among agencies funded in part by UGN are the food bank, local homeless shelter COAST and Jefferson AIDS Services.