Contributions jumpstart United Way kickoff

POST FALLS — The official kickoff to the United Way of Kootenai County's 2010-11 campaign was this morning, but there's already been a lot of pre-game pep talks.

Campaign "pacesetters" have already raised about $125,000 to support local nonprofits and individuals in need, said Caryl Johnston, executive director of the local United Way, at the kickoff at the Idaho National Guard armory.

U.S. Bank and its call center employees have raised nearly $45,000. Architects West, Avista, Macys, Target and UPS were also recognized for blazing a trail on the campaign.

The campaign raised about $425,000 last year — down from the usual $500,000 in recent years. Johnston said this year's goal is $470,000.

"We know the need is greater this year with the economy being down," Johnston said. "We're asking people to be generous and give, and I think a lot of people are motivated."

Adding to the kickoff's excitement, more than 300 volunteers are in the community today for the third annual Day of Caring performing 23 good-deed projects ranging from splitting wood and delivering it to seniors to constructing playground equipment at a learning center on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation.

The volunteer count has grown from 90 in the event's first year and 200 last year.

Businesses also brought nearly 5,000 pounds of food to the kickoff for local food banks, including about half from U.S. Bank employees. - Brian Walker