PORT TOWNSEND — Volunteer representatives of Jefferson County United Good Neighbors, which has fallen $35,000 short of its 2004-2005 goal, are holding out hope generous late donations will save their fund-raiser.

With at least 100 UGN volunteers in action, this year’s fund-raising goal is $265,000.

The organization, which funds some 40 programs for the needy, including the food bank, Jumping Mouse and Olympic community Action Programs, faces the prospect of late funding to some agencies this year as a result of slow donations and the shortfall.

“We would hate to hold back on any of those agencies because they are so needy,” Judy Morris, UGN board president, said Wednesday.

“We can certainly take donations up to June, but the sooner we can get them in the sooner we can give them out.”

Morris and others with United Good Neighbors say the shortfall may be the result of many county residents sending donations to South Asia tsunami aid.

“We’ve had a couple big donors that haven’t donated yet, but that could still happened,” Morris added.

Donations until June

Morris stressed that UGN was actively accepting donations until June in hopes of still making its goal.

To make a donation, call 360-385-3797. UGN’s mailing address is 718 Washington St., Port Townsend, WA 98368.