National Starch recognized

    ISLAND FALLS — The United Way of Aroostook County has recognized National Starch and Chemical Company as a “Gold Donor” because more than 80 percent of its 66 employees donated to the United Way during 2007.  National’s employees contributed $4,473 – $124 more than in 2006 – breaking their previous record.  Now the National Starch and Chemical Foundation is matching that amount, brining the total to nearly $9,000.
    “National Starch and Chemical is a strong supporter of the United Way,” said Ryan Albert, Quality Manager and leader of National’s United Way campaigns. “Our employees want to help those in our community who are less fortunate. Living in such a small community, everyone at our site knows someone personally who has received assistance from the United Way.”
    National’s donation and others will help the United Way of Aroostook County cope with a newly-detected, extremely pressing need. 
    “A county-wide needs assessment in 2006 revealed that everyone’s biggest concern by far is substance abuse,” said Claudia Stevens, Executive Director of the United Way. “We hadn’t realized it was an emergency situation, but it is. So during the past six months we developed ways to address this growing problem.”
     According to Stevens, the United Way is hoping to fund five key programs that combat drug abuse. 
    “They run the gamut,” she said, “including education, prevention, counseling, and even the purchase and training of a canine to sniff out methamphetamine.”
    Of course, these programs cost money – and that’s money in addition to funds necessary for the vital services that the United Way already supports.  “We’re trying to raise the money for our drug prevention initiatives rather than take it away from other programs,” said Stevens.