United Way helps laid-off workers

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001 | 10:39 a.m.

The United Way of Southern Nevada has distributed more than $174,000 to 251 Southern Nevada households through its Displaced Workers Response Fund.

The money is assisting workers recently laid off because of the economic slowdown resulting from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but officials say that without more public help, the fund soon will be depleted.

"This week eviction notices will be showing up for families who were not able to pay their rent on Oct. 1," local United Way President Garth Winckler said. "At the current pace, we will have distributed all of the funds collected by the end of this week or by next Monday. We need more financial support."

About $450,000 has been raised for the displaced workers fund, with the majority of the money being distributed to pay rents.

Winckler said upcoming events aimed at replenishing the funds include a charity concert at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues sponsored by KISS 101.9-FM on Oct. 25 and a golf tournament fund-raiser by Del Webb at the Revere at Anthem course on Nov. 12.

Other entities helping Las Vegans:

-- The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada has started handing out coupons for free rides on Citizens Area Transit public buses to locals who lost their jobs. The RTC is giving away 10,000 one-way ride coupons at a tent behind the Culinary Plaza at 1630 S. Commerce St.

"Whenever possible, we try to give back to the community, and during this time we are doing it the best we can (by) providing transportation for citizens to access employment opportunities and keep their households running," RTC General Manager Jacob Snow said.

-- The Marine Max boating dealership at 3800 Boulder Highway will hold a boat show and boating poker run Oct. 25-28 at Lake Las Vegas Hyatt Regency Resort and Calville Bay Marina to raise money for victims' families in New York City and Washington, as well as and displaced local workers. For more information, call Marine Max General Sales Manager Jeff Cherry at (702) 732-7297.

-- Postnet Express, 2211 N. Rampart Blvd. inside Smith's food store, is working with the Salvation Army to raise money to help Las Vegans affected by the recent layoffs. The company will donate $2 for every package shipped and 45 cents for every book of stamps sold.

-- The Flooring Showroom of Las Vegas is offering 20 percent off all floor coverings Oct. 17-19 and will donate 10 percent of all purchases those days to the local American Red Cross to support local relief efforts.

-- The Tillerman Restaurant at 2245 E. Flamingo Road will contribute proceeds from business operations of Oct. 23 to provide relief for local families of displaced workers and deployed military personnel.