CHARITY SETS HIGH GOAL IN FUND RAISING; UNITED WAY'S TARGET $1.5 MILLION PLUS $12.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

With the campaign kickoff scheduled for Saturday, Antelope Valley United Way officials have set their 1998 fund raising goal at $1,500,012 - increasing last year's unreached target by $12.

Last year, officials aimed for $1.5 million and managed to raise $1.3 million. This year, officials and volunteers remain optimistic that their goal will be met.

``We wanted to meet last year's goal and top it a little bit,'' said Larry Chimbole, Antelope Valley campaign chairman. ``We will raise $1.5 million.''

To be raised now through the end of June, the money will be distributed to 36 local charities focusing on child care, youth development, emergency needs and health care.

Beneficiaries include Children's Center of Antelope Valley, Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club, Desert Haven Enterprises and Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council.

``We base our goal on the need,'' said Diane Grooms, regional vice president for United Way of Greater Los Angeles. ``There are always people who need the services we provide.''

United Way officials will kick off the 1998 fund-raising campaign locally with their annual Day of Caring, when many donors volunteer their time to help the agencies with manpower.

Between 200 and 300 people are expected to take part in daylong activities Saturday that include painting, raking leaves, repairing toys and stuffing envelopes.

This year, officials are placing a higher priority on leadership givers, or those that donate $1,000 or more, who are honored with a party just before the campaign ends.

While the leadership givers are important, much of the money raised comes from working Antelope Valley residents who offer a portion of their paychecks to benefit the United Way.

``We literally raise the money $5 at a time,'' Grooms said. ``It's a lot of work.''