COUNTYWIDE : Some United Way Donations Targeted

Homelessness, hunger, the lack of affordable child care and physical abuse were the top social concerns of donors to the United Way of Orange County’s 1990-91 fund-raising campaign.

Under the United Way’s “Donor Choice” program, offered for the first time during the campaign, donors were able to choose among seven social problems facing the county and specify where they wanted their money spent.

Most donors were willing to let the United Way choose how to disburse the donations to its 113 member organizations. But donations totaling $658,183 designated one or more of the seven social concerns, United Way spokeswoman Dena Montiel said Wednesday.

The seven targeted areas and the approximate amounts donated were:

Homelessness (including hunger and inadequate clothing), $174,300; child care, $130,000; physical and sexual abuse, $119,000; health care for the poor and uninsured, $70,000; illiteracy, $55,500; alcohol and drug abuse, $54,000, and mental health, $47,000.

The United Way announced this week the 39 nonprofit organizations that will receive the specially designated funds. Any nonprofit agency providing service in the seven areas was allowed to apply for the funding. Fifteen of the organizations are not affiliated with the United Way.

Organizations receiving the highest funding are the Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter in Orange, the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, Children of Parental Emergency Services (COPES), South Coast Community Clinic, Prentice Day School in Costa Mesa, Stop Gap and St. Joseph Hospital.

The $658,183 donated to the seven areas was part of the $21.4 million pledged during the latest campaign.