CSL Behring and the United Way of Kankakee County announced the single largest pledge, $136,269.31 to the United Way’s 2010 campaign.  “CSL has consistently been one of our top donors;” said United Way of Kankakee County Director, Greg Carrell. “This pledge, from the corporation and employees,  is a 29% increase over last year’s gift and will go a long way towards meeting the increasing health and human services needs here in Kankakee County.”

Last summer, in a time of great economic turmoil, the United Way chose to increase its campaign goal by 17% to $1.2 million.  “The United Way’s partner agencies effect thousands of lives right here in Kankakee County.  The United Way board foresaw a greater need for services in 2010 and they challenged themselves.”

With 54 days remaining in the 2010 campaign, the United Way of Kankakee County needs to raise an additional $516,000 to reach its goal.  “A number of businesses have recognized the greater needs in our community and stepped up and increased their giving exceptionally,” Carrell added.  Those donors with significant increases in pledges include: Armstrong World Industries, Cigna Health Care, First Trust Bank of Illinois, Kankakee Area Career Center, Kankakee Community College, Midwest Transit Equipment, Olivet Nazarene University, Peoples Bank of Kankakee County, Pepsi Americas, and Tyson Engineering, Inc.

The downturn in the economy has had a tremendous impact on the 24 United Way Partner Agencies.  The Center of Hope Food Pantry has seen a 20% increase in families seeking help.  Due in part to the stress of the economic climate and unemployment The Helen Wheeler Center has seen an increase for their mental health services and Harbor House has seen a rise in requests for domestic abuse victim’s assistance.  Sandra Knight, United Way Agency Council President and Executive Director of the YWCA, said “In a time when resources are challenged, the agencies are working harder than ever to meet the needs of thousands of families and individuals across Kankakee County.”

“The need for services is in every community across Kankakee County, from Manteno to Chebanse, and Momence to Herscher,” said Steve Baker, United Way Board Member.  “Our agencies meet those needs in every city and town and we need everyone across Kankakee County to give—as the Arno’s have asked, to ‘give a little.’”

                For more information, or to make a donation or pledge to the United Way of Kankakee County, visit the United Way of Kankakee County website at www.myunitedway.org, call 815-932-7476, or mail a check to United Way of Kankakee County; PO Box 1286; Kankakee, IL 60901.