The United Way of McLean County has raised nearly $3.8 million in its 2012-13 campaign. (WJBC file photo)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - This is the final month of the annual United Way of McLean County campaign and the drive is at 87 percent of its goal.

United Way's Senior Director of Resource Development, Gina Mandros, said she's hopeful the campaign can get the remaining $560,000 it needs to reach the $4.35 million target.  it has raised nearly $3.8 million so far. 

"It's a little bit early to tell (whether they'll reach the goal), but we can't impress upon residents enough the importance of giving and still continuing to think about us as they consider their charitable contributions," Mandros said.

Mandros added that while the community has been generous in its giving to those in need, the the economy remains a worry for many donors.

"Over the past four years, we consistently hear, people mentioning the economy as a road block to their charitable giving and that hasn't changed," Mandros said. "I don't think it has necesarily hindered some of the charitable giving, but it definitely continues to be a factor."

The campaign goal is a one-percent increase over last year.

The campaign funds 61 social service programs in McLean County. You can see the list at www.unwaymc.org.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.