Fund donations running ahead of last year

With unemployment still high and a recession eating away at family incomes, the managers of The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy were a little apprehensive about how generous readers would be this year — especially after last year's record-breaking fund drive.

But this year's fund contributions are running well ahead of last year's.

So far, about 900 donors have sent more than $292,000. They've clipped coupons out of the paper, sent in checks and made donations online. One contribution was even bequeathed in a reader's will.

The donations so far are higher than last year's record-breaking amount at this point in the campaign. Last year on Dec. 10, readers had given $241,000, on their way to raising $668,183. The annual two-month drive raises money for critical services offered by 13 not-for-profit agencies in the area.

Perhaps the stories in the newspaper have demonstrated how strong the need is this year, encouraging greater giving, suggested Suzanne Canino, director of corporate marketing for The Seattle Times. "We're a very generous community, so when things get tough, people really step up where they can," she added.

In 30 annual campaigns, the fund has raised more than $12.4 million, all of which goes to the 13 recipient agencies.