Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry The United Fund of Warren County Torchlight Campaign has reached 50 percent of its goal of $690,000. Pictured (from left) are Co-Chair Rick Seager, Executive Director Lacey Hanson, and Co-Chair Kim Holt.

The annual United Fund of Warren County Torchlight Campaign has exceeded 50 percent of its goal.

That means there is still almost 50 percent to go.

The annual campaign goal was set at $690,000, according to Executive Director Lacey Hanson.

Co-Chairs Kim Holt and Rick Seager joined Hanson in filling the 50-percent mark in the thermometer in the sign at the Warren Post Office last week.

“Family Services of Warren County, along with 18 other area non-profits, rely heavily on the monetary support from the United Fund,” Holt said. “Given the COVID pandemic, we have seen an increase in referrals in both the drug and alcohol and mental health programs.”

“The generous support given by people such as you allows us to provide services to those that are underinsured or uninsured,” she said.

“If you look around you, yourself or someone close to you has more than likely benefited from the group of non-profits that the United Fund supports.”

The United Fund “supports a network of local, Warren County agencies that build character in our youth, assist the elderly, provide basic human service needs, and offer assistance and comfort in times of disaster. Best of all, 100 percent of every dollar donated to the United Fund goes directly to these agencies.”

“Thank you, Warren County, for being so giving,” Holt said.

The member agencies include: A Safe Place, Allegheny Community Center, American Red Cross, Barber National Institute — BEi Campus, Boy Scouts of America, Caring For Life, Don Mills Achievement Center, Family Services of Warren County, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, Hospice of Warren County, Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, New Hope Assistance Dogs, Ruth M. Smith Center, The Salvation Army, Sheffield Area Hospitality Center, USO, Warren Area Student Union, Warren County 4-H Program, and the Warren County YMCA.

Donations may be made online at www.unitedfundwarren.org, by mail to United Fund of Warren County, 308 Market St., P.O. Box 844, Warren, PA, 16365, or by stopping at the office. Those looking to call ahead may call (814) 726-0292.