United Way Reports It Is Halfway to Goal

United Way of Ventura County is more than halfway toward reaching the $5.35-million goal set for this year’s fund-raising drive.

“I am very pleased,” Timothy J. McCallion, chairman of the fund-raising campaign and a vice president for GTE California, said Thursday.

“The achievement of this kind of progress despite the lingering effects of corporate downsizing and economic restructuring is testimony to the dedication of United Way volunteers and the generosity of the people of Ventura County,” McCallion said.

In the Conejo Valley, Hewlett-Packard has raised $33,276, and State Farm Insurance Co. generated $164,000, more than 30% above last year’s amount for both companies. The new Costco in Westlake has contributed $16,900 in its first campaign.

In Camarillo, Harris Corp. has increased the amount of its donations by 20%, contributing $23,665, and the city’s new Target store has given more than $6,100.

The Ojai Unified School District was given an “A” for its effort, raising $12,900, 21% above the amount contributed last year.

Weyerhauser Co. in Santa Paula more than doubled the amount it raised during the 1995-96 campaign, contributing $18,600.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude to the many organizations, employees and volunteers who contributed to these results,” McCallion said.

United Way of Ventura County helps fund 62 charitable agencies in the region, and sponsors programs combating child abuse, juvenile delinquency, gangs and drugs.

To contribute to the drive, which ends in June, call 485-6288.