United Way, CHAD Drive Needs Cited

Without the millions of dollars generated by the San Diego United Way and CHAD annual community campaigns, many of the local health and human care agencies would be “greatly reduced or eliminated,” said Lynda DeBoer, the charities’ spokeswoman.

The San Diego United Way and CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) 1985 fund-raising campaign has set a goal of $22 million to be reached by Nov. 21. Last year, the combined drive raised more than $20 million for the 350 programs provided by the 97 United Way and CHAD agencies.

The two-month campaign began Sept. 20. “This concentrated effort allows us to focus our attention and time better,” she said. “Over a 12-month period, people begin to get immune to the campaign.”

Much of the money generated from the campaign comes from 85 major companies in San Diego County, DeBoer said, adding that donations from employees as well as the corporations fund the programs. Donations can be made to the San Diego offices for United Way and CHAD. All contributions are tax deductible.

Of each dollar contributed, 89 cents goes to the agencies that fall under the umbrella of United Way and CHAD. The remaining money covers administrative costs. DeBoer said there are thousands of volunteers involved in the campaign throughout the county.

Donations can be earmarked for specific programs, such as the American Heart Assn., DeBoer said. Funds not designated are directed to individual agencies by an allocation committee that decides how much money will go to each program, she said. CHAD receives 9% of the funds raised.