Four days a week, Craig resident Lisa Oakley shuffles disabled residents back and forth between medical appointments and trips to the grocery store as part of her work with the Independent Life Center. Thanks to funds supplied by Moffat County United Way, another day soon will be added to Oakley's route.

"There are days when we're so booked, we can't squeeze them all in," said Oakley about the van schedule. "Sometimes, (people) have to call weeks in advance."

The Independent Life Center, which lends support to local residents with disabilities, will receive $10,000 from United Way contributions.

Independent Life Center Director Evelyn Tileston said the money will pay the lion's share of the organization's rent for 2006.

"Ten thousand (dollars) is going to be nine months rent," Tileston said. "That means we have a place to work for nine months. And, thanks to the United Way, people have a place to come to get the help they need."

Directors from organizations up and down the list of groups that received money said they were grateful to receive the contributions and that the funds would have a positive impact on local residents.

Without the outside money, Independent Life Center would have had to dip into other coffers to pay the rent, which would have scuttled future plans, such as adding the additional van service day.

The van service operates Mon--days, Wednesdays, Thurs--days and Fridays. Beginning in July, the service also will be offered on Tuesdays.

"If we hadn't gotten that money, there's no way we could do that," Tileston said.

Overall, United Way funneled $318,093 to 54 area public service organizations. Community members donated the money during a United Way fundraiser, which ran from September to November.

Summer Laws, director of Communidad Intregrada, said the $3,000 her organization received will be used to sponsor workshops designed to help immigrants adjust to life in the U.S., as well as sessions about health.

"It really helps," Laws said. "And it also shows what great community service we have in here in Moffat County."

United Way director Corrie Scott, although pleased that the donations are making an impact on people's lives, said her organization can't afford to be satisfied. The United Way and the groups it helps fund, "never have enough money."

Next month, a campaign committee will meet to begin planning for this year's fundraiser. The fundraiser will begin in mid-September and conclude a week before Thanksgiving.