TOPPENISH — United Way has contributed $12,840 to the Toppenish Community Fund for the 2008/09 fiscal year.

“These monies are used for youth programs and activities that Parks & Recreation put together for our community and surrounding area,” Toppenish Parks & Rec Director James Cole said. “Some of this money is also used for the pool.

“It is money that is designated specifically for helping keep youth active in recreational activities,” Cole said. “If it weren’t for United Way funding, there would a lot of programs that would not be happening here in Toppenish. United Way funds help us keep the programs and activities going.

“A lot of the money that we have received came from direct donations from people in Toppenish and the surrounding area,” he said. “United Way recognizes that fact, and that is why they put the money back into the community.

“Without United Way, there are a lot of things that would not be happening in our local community,” he said.