It’s Not Too Late

United Way got off to a late start in the Los Angeles area this year, and the giving has been slow. The charity’s leaders are working hard to make the $90-million campaign goal. We wish them well.

The donations from corporations, employees and individuals support services for millions of children, families and adults--many of them in need.

Employee giving accounts for 63% of United Way’s contributions, so some losses can be attributed to economic problems. Within the oil industry, for example, ARCO lost 800 employees and Unocal lost 400.

Gifts are also off in the wake of last summer’s reports that five executives received substantial and primarily interest-free loans for relocation assistance and family emergencies. Lengthy investigations by a citizen committee and the Los Angeles County counsel’s office disclosed bad judgment but nothing illegal. The loans, close to $330,000 from charitable contributions, have been repaid.

Contributors, particularly those who angrily canceled their payroll deductions, should renew their commitment. They can rest assured that the United Way is more tightly managed and that safeguards are in place to prevent future abuses.

The United Way funds 378 agencies. Many of the member agencies provide critical services that the federal government has abandoned.

Emergency food, shelter and medical services for the homeless are provided by 55 agencies funded by the United Way. Treatment and prevention of child abuse is provided by 37 agencies. Day care for children is provided by 62 agencies. More of these services are needed, but at least the United Way is helping to fill the void.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys Clubs, Campfire Girls and YMCAs also get substantial support. In all, about 2.5 million children and adults benefit from programs in Los Angeles County and in western San Bernardino County.

The United Way of Orange County has ended its campaign a whopping $2.5 million short of its $19-million goal. Charity leaders blamed the losses on layoffs at Irvine Co., Northrop Corp. and Fluor Corp., and on economic disruptions at other large corporations, but also feared that the controversy in Los Angeles tainted other autonomous United Way organizations.

In Orange County, member agencies can expect as much as a 10% reduction in their budgets. That could mean bad news for battered women, emotionally disturbed children and others who benefit from the 123 agencies that are funded by the charity.

The United Way of Los Angeles will continue its campaign until June. It is not too late to make an individual contribution or to increase a payroll deduction. It is not too late to dig deep in order to help others.