Cincinnatians are being tugged at both their heartstrings and purse strings.

        While residents rush to help those in New York and the Washington, D.C., area, United Way officials wonder whether last week's tragedy threatens this year's $60 million fund-raising effort.

        The umbrella agency has until Oct. 26 to reach its target. Donations benefit 160 agencies that provide one in three Cincinnatians with substance-abuse prevention, child-abuse protection and other types of care.

        Also to benefit are American Red Cross' Cincinnati chapter and other agencies now helping East Coast and Cincinnati residents cope with last week's tragedy.

        “It's just too soon to tell. We know people want to help both (locally and nationally). People will try to do what's right for people in the community and country that they live in,” United Way spokeswoman Carol Aquino said.

        So far, United Way has raised about $12 million. The American Red Cross has raised $46,000 for the campaign, compared with $43,500 for all of last year.

        “When something extreme like this comes along, we realize that there are additional dollars needed,” said Sara Peller, chief executive officer of Cincinnati's American Red Cross chapter. “Local dollars help us stay prepared for what goes on nationally.”

        The chapter has sent 12 members to help rescue workers in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

        Other United Way agencies have helped. The Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati collected bottled water, sports drinks and clothing for rescue workers. Talbert House and Catholic Social Services provided counseling locally.

        Procter & Gamble is one of the biggest contributors to the United Way's annual campaign. Last year, the company raised about $1.2 million.

        “We're very happy with the way our campaign is going,” said Gil Cloyd, the company's chief technology officer and chair of the company's campaign. “Even with this horrible tragedy that occurred nationally, our employees are seeing the really important need that we have in the local community here.”

        More than 2,000 companies are participating in this year's campaign.

        About 90 cents of every dollar collected during United Way's annual campaign goes toward these services.

        Warren County United Way has raised 25 percent of its $2.2 million goal. Butler County United Way is trying to raise the same amount. The chapter has reached 3.5 percent of its target.

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