Barbara Tolliver, president of the United Way of West Central Mississippi, thanks supporters during the 2001 United Way campaign victory celebration Thursday evening.(The Vicksburg Post/C. TODD SHERMAN)

[11/09/01]United Way of West Central Mississippi workers celebrated the close of their annual campaign Thursday, having raised $1,662,611 to help support 24 member agencies in 2002.

The cash and pledges total 92 percent of this year’s $1.8 million goal, with a few more pledges expected to come in. As expected, terror attacks resulted in some diversion of donors’ dollars.

“Shortly after Sept. 11, I thought about calling in sick,” said W. Briggs Hopson III. “I knew it was going to be a tough two months. But things have turned out really well. What we have been able to do is a testament to the community.”

Campaign divisions reported:

Large firms, headed by Kim Tullos, $1,104,205.

Leadership giving, headed by Blake Teller, $376,858.

Combined Federal Campaign, headed by Bob Petersen and Emma Lee Wilson, $263,101.

Commercial division, headed by Scott Smith, $99,227.

Special gifts, headed by Gerald Easley, $51,000.

Schools division, headed by Susan Ivins, $44,930.

Professional division, headed by Donna Ingram, $33,080.

Small business, headed by Abraham Green, $28,370.

United Way employee campaign, $26,571.

Local government, headed by Santa Carpenter and Rose Shaifer, $11,729.

Prospect division, headed by Deborah Kinnebrew, reported no money was received. Kinnebrew said contacted companies should be some of the biggest donors next year.

Barbara Tolliver, president of United Way of West Central Mississippi, said campaign volunteers were also facing a tight economy.

“It has been harder this year,” Tolliver said. “This tells us that the people of Vicksburg are some of the most caring people anywhere.”

The local United Way has been a national trendsetter among small cities for many years. “As far as giving is concerned, we are the best,” Tolliver said.

After the 2001 campaign closes this year, United Way will meet with the 24 member agencies and divide the money.

The agencies benefiting from this year’s campaign are the American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts Andrew Jackson Council, Child Abuse Prevention Center, Christian Volunteer Service, Community Council, Epilepsy Foundation, Middle Mississippi Girl Scouts, Good News Jail and Prison Ministries, Good Shepherd Community Center, Haven House Family Shelter, HIV Services, Magnolia Speech School, Warren County Children’s Shelter, Bridge at Signal Hill, The Salvation Army, United Way Community Services, Vicksburg Early Education Center, Vicksburg Family Development Service, USO, Warren County Association for Retarded Citizens, MIDD-West, Warren Yazoo Community Mental Health Services, We Care Community Services and YMCA.