The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1960-11-11
ia A Success?

Most communities in the Diocese have completed
their United Fund-Community Chest campaigns and
the results are being evaluated.
In a few communities the campaigns went over the
top.
In most, they failed by a greater or smaller
amount, to raise money enough to meet the minimum
needs of private community agencies giving health,
welfare and recreatI0nal services.
In Columbus, for example, the amount raised was
100000 short of a goal that was already S483, 900 be-
low the amount requested by the citizen agency boards
who ask for the minimum amount needed to carry out
essential services.
IN TERMS OF need then, the Columbu UA cam
paign was short a half million dollars. We admit this
is particularly significant to us because of our close
association with several community agencies and insti-
tutons to whom the United Fund will give thousands
Of dollars less than needed.
Perhaps we should focus on the tens of thousands
of dollars which will be given to these agencies to en-
able them to do a partial job. But we feel we owe it to
the community to point out the gap between the funds
raised and the amounts needed.
CERTAINLY NO ONE will disagree with the Co
Iumbus Dispatch editorial of October q which compli-
mented the campaign chairman and his committees
for outstanding leadership, resulting in a job well
done. Truly the people of our communities owe a debt
of gratitude to the thousands of men and women who
freely gave time and work to these essential cam
paigns. MAY God bless them for their dedicated efforts.
BUT WE DO QUESTION the editorial claim that
"the people of Franklin County have once again dem
onstrated their generosity and community concern"
We feel the public does not deserve such a high
compliment. we ltcl ilidl W SOillc uSSISSf bHc u VI
many of the poor, the sick, the homeless children,
the problem boys and girls, and of distressed families
have not been met.
WE ARE CONCERNED that while United Funds
are doing so much for so many, they are also doing so
little for SO many more.
We are bothered because United Fund goals are
not expanding to meet the needs of our growing popu-
lation. The UA campaign Instructions to its workers
stated that in 10 years United Appeal increased the
amount of money raised by nearly so per cent, but the
child population grew by 80 per cent and the older
population by Is per cent, while the actual value of
money increased by only s per cent. In other words,
United Funds are failing to meet the needs OF the
people.
WHAT CONCERNS us is that such failure may
lead to less and less support of United Funds. We are
disturbed because we believe in the economics of time,
effort, and expense exemplified by united giving. We
think this effort benefits the community.
But we are worried about the growing number of
needy people who cannot be helped because United
Funds are failing to keep up with community needs.
WE HOPE THAT all in the Diocese will interest
themselves in this serious community problem. We
trust that with all we'll meaning, community minded
people concentrating on the problem, a solution for
the future will be found.
M~onsignor William Z. kappes
Diocesan Director of Charities