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WEST CHESTER TWP. — The Butler County United Way on Wednesday announced a 2008 fundraising total of $2,130,883, missing its goal for the second straight year.

The UW's campaign goal was to raise more than $2.6 million. Officials expect more donations to flow in to help fund 54 area programs that rely on the fundraiser to survive.

"(A shortfall) could mean somebody is not getting their needs met. It could mean a child doesn't have a safe after-school program, a senior is not getting the transportation they need or mental health counseling," said Butler County United Way President Maureen Noe.

The Butler County United Way is among 1,300 United Ways nationwide struggling to raise funds this year, said United Way of America spokeswoman Sally Fabens.

Campaigns have been hampered by the sinking economy and a drop in corporate donors that have either downsized or disappeared at a time when community needs are mounting.

The Middletown Area United Way has raised only 82 percent of its $1.5 million campaign goal.

"By far, this has been the most challenging year we've had in my 30-plus years with the United Way," said Executive Director Michael Sanders. "If you compare this year to last year, we were at 90 percent. We should be at 91 percent or so at this point, which concerns me.''

The United Ways that serve Warren County, Greater Dayton and Greater Cincinnati areas are struggling, too.

Warren County's goal is to raise more than $2.1 million, United Way President Michael Schepers said.

Officials have raised only $1.2 million or about 50 percent of their goal.

"We get results in daily. But whether we're going to make goal or not remains in question."

How to help

To donate to the Butler County United Way, call (513) 863-0800 or visit www.bc-unitedway.org.