The United Way of Mercer County is wrapping up what agency representatives consider to be a successful 2001 campaign.

"I considered it a success," said Steve Gurgovits, campaign chairman. "It was an interesting campaign in that it started late in August when there was a weakening economy."

The United Way also had competition for charitable dollars after the events of Sept. 11, Gurgovits said. The campaign's goal was 10 percent more than the year before, he said.

The United Way collected $1,011,935 during the campaign, falling slightly short of the $1.1 million goal, said Jim Micsky, executive director of the United Way of Mercer County.

That amount could increase slightly because the agency is still waiting for pledge money from one corporate contributor, Micsky said.

In any event, Gurgovits said the agency collected more money than last year.

Micsky said he's happy with the results and the work of volunteers who made the campaign successful.

Gurgovits said the fact that nearly $144,000 of the money collected came from new givers is encouraging. He hopes the new givers continue their donations.

In speaking with representatives from other United Way groups, Gurgovits said he learned many agencies did not have the campaign success Mercer County had in 2001.

Last year the United Way allocated $801,968 to its 25 funded agencies, and Micsky said the allocation for this year will be determined at a board of directors meeting this month.

The United Way of Mercer County's affiliated agencies include the American Red Cross, Community Counseling Center of Mercer County, The Literacy Council, Shenango Valley Urban League and the Mercer County Community Action Agency.