A substantial increase in local requests for basic-need services has prompted United Way to stage a midyear fund drive to make ends meet.

Called "30 Days to Make a Difference," the campaign begins Monday and runs through July 15.

Many of United Way's member agencies have seen a 35 to 40 percent increase in the demand for services, fueled by the Flathead Valley's high unemployment rate.

"This is the first time in our history that we're trying to raise money outside of our annual campaign," United Way Executive Director Sherry Stevens Wulf said. "We're not setting a goal of how much we want to raise. We're just asking people to look into their hearts and see what they can do."

United Way ended its 2008 campaign nearly $200,000 short of its $1 million goal, and agencies are stretched to the max trying to help people who've lost their jobs in recent months and are struggling as effects of a nationwide recession wear on.

The campaign was extended to the end of February, beyond its usual Dec. 31 deadline, in an attempt to meet the goal.

During the month-long campaign, United Way won't be contacting businesses and employees who pledged during the 2008 campaign, although the organization is encouraging everyone to consider donating a little more, Wulf said.

"If everyone could give a little bit, it would help us out immensely," she said. "We're trying to reach out to those who may not have been contacted during the last campaign."

All of the proceeds from the 30-day blitz will be shared with member agencies.

Current member agencies are the American Red Cross, Big Brothers and Sisters, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of Glacier Country, Eagle Transit, First Call for Help-Net, Flathead CARE, Flathead Food Bank, Flathead Youth Home, Girl Scouts, Head Start, Literacy Volunteers, Mental Health Crisis Line, Nurturing Center, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Samaritan House, Sinopah House, Special Friends Advocacy Program, Summit Independent Living Center, Teen Night and the Violence Free Crisis Line/Abbie Shelter.

Services of the United Way include CASA for Kids, Disaster Care Services, Leaders of Tomorrow and the United Way Volunteer Center.

The United Way also supports emergency food and shelter programs in Northwest Montana, including Bread Basket, Community Harvest Food Bank, DOVES, Helping Hands, Hot Springs Food Pantry, Lake County Mental Health Center, Libby Food Pantry, Mission Valley Food Pantry, Neighbors in Need, Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, Salvation Army Feeding Program, Thompson Falls Food Pantry and Troy Food Pantry.

Donors may choose how to donate, including cash, payroll deductions, charging to a credit card, direct billing, or through automatic bank transfers. Donors also may designate which member agencies they want to receive their gift. Call 752-7266 to make a donation.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com