To date, donors around the Hills have given about $1.8 million dollars, or 79 percent of the organization's target amount.  Parker says the United Way helps out 52 organizations in the Black Hills, and when it comes to reaching their goal, she says she doesn't see it as a monetary goal, but a goal to provide help.  Parker says, "Some people ask us why is meeting the goal so important and, you know, even that word sounds kind of odd, but to us it means how many meals can we serve to seniors? How much assistance can we give over at the Club for Boys? How many kids can participate in activities over at Girls Incorporated? How many mentors can we have at Big Brothers Big Sisters? You know the list goes on and on of the services that are provided when we meet that goal."  Parker says they are still seeing some activity which gives them hope of reaching their goal of nearly $2.3 million within the next four weeks.

Tessa Thomas