A local United Way official said Thursday that she was still hopeful local needs would be met – despite competing with national efforts to raise money for other worthy causes, such as relief for hurricane victims.

• Chat transcript with Ann Gardner and Jo Bryant about United Way (10-27-05)

Ann Gardner, who is chairing this year’s United Way campaign, touched on that issue during an online chat Thursday on the J-W’s Web site.

Gardner, who is the J-W’s editorial page editor, took part in the chat with Jo Bryant, director of United Way of Douglas County.

The local effort, which ends Nov. 18, is to raise $1.55 million.

“At this point, the campaign is running about even with last year’s campaign, but there have been disappointments in a couple of areas,” Gardner wrote.

To see the full transcript from the chat, go to http://www2.ljworld.com/news/chats/.