By ADAM P. BARR

Staff Writer

Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau and guests plucked at the heart strings of the audience in the R. L. Ropp Center during the 2005 United Way of Northeast Louisiana's Kick-Off for Employee Donations campaign on Monday.

In an effort to gain donations for United Way, Janet S. Durden, president of United Way for Northeast Louisiana, spoke in person and through video to the steering committee at Tech.

"Any given day something can happen in anyone's life that may drastically affect day to day living," Durden said.

"Because of your support to United Way, organizations like [Domestic Abuse Response Team] are a part of this community."

David G. Darland, chairman of Lincoln Parish United Way and senior vice-president of business development for Community Trust bank said, "Donations grow every year from this area, with a little over 12 percent increase over 2003."

Donations are always needed, Candy Daniels, a member of the steering committee and an employee of Office of Financial Services, said.

"When someone asks me how much money was given I always say not enough," Daniels said.

Ruth and George McCallum of Monroe are benefactors from the Food Bank Adopt-A-Senior program, which is a partner of United Way.

"The Food Bank has made a difference between eating dinner and going to bed hungry," Ruth McCallum said.

United Way is a partner in 12 community outreach programs in and around the Ruston area.

Programs include the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Louisiana, which has Tech students in their mentoring program. "Volunteers can make all the difference in a child's life," Daniels said.

Ryan Richard, chairman of the United Way for Tech and director of development and coordinator of alumni programs, said, the United Way accomplishes more by sharpening its focus in identifying problems within the community and making themselves accessible.

"The 2-1-1 program, like 9-1-1, is a 24/7 program that is the simplest way to get help," Richard said.

The community determines where money donated goes, Michele Robinson of United Way, said.

"The community makes the decisions on where the money goes by their own volunteer effort," Robinson said.

"We actually go out to the community and see what needs to be done and make sure the money is properly allocated."

Gifts to the United Way stay right here at home, Daniels said.

"You will be able to see the benefits of your donation," Daniels said.

Durden said, "United Way gives the highest level of accountability and fiscal responsibility to there donors.

"We also go through a stringent, independent auditor that presents the report to United Way Board of Directors themselves."

Volunteer work by Tech students and contributions made by Tech employees help improve the community in Lincoln Parish, Durden said.

"The United Way of Northeast Louisiana strives to help people and the community."

Reneau said the United Way is a very worthy cause.

"We challenge you to exceed last year's donations."