Every fall, the Butler County United Fund kicks off its annual fund raising drive to help residents of Butler County.

But, with the recent tragedies in New York and Washington, D.C., the organization feels that some of this year's money should go to other Americans in need of suppport.

"Normally, $1,500 of our $50,000 budget goes to the American Red Cross," said Allen Stephenson, president of the Butler County United Fund. "But, this year, in addition to the regular contribution, anything over the goal will go to the relief fund."

Stephenson said that all agencies that are normally protected through the United Fund will continue to receive support.

"We thought this was a special time and a special circumstance. Many people have expressed concern of getting their contributions to the relief fund and we felt this is one way we could make it happen," Stephenson said.

Some of the agencies that the Butler County United Fund benefits include the Greenville YMCA, the American Heart Association, the Butler County Activity and Training Center, the Greenville-Butler County Public Library and several others.

Fund raising for the Butler County United Fund will continue through the end of October. For more information or to

make a contribution, call Julia Dubberly at 382-8603.