About halfway into its fall campaign, the United Way of the Coastal Empire Liberty office has met 70 percent of its $195,000 goal.
The group, which has raised $137,592.51, has until Nov. 15 to meet the goal, according to director Jennifer Darsey.
Based on the response so far, Darsey said she may see the final tally exceed $200,000.
“This campaign is definitely different than last year’s campaign,” Darsey said. “We have 20 members on our advisory board and they are actively engaged in fundraising, helping us get the word out, attending meetings and advocating for the services and programs we help fund.
“They are an incredible group of civic-minded, compassionate people and it is truly making a difference in our campaign this year.”
Darsey credited local campaign co-chairmen Cheryl Burriss and John Scherer, and thanked those who have given.
“We are so grateful for all of the businesses that have already contributed, either through a corporate contribution or employee campaign,” Darsey said. “The citizens of Liberty County do an incredible job pulling together to help meet the needs of people in this community and so far, this year is no exception.”
Funds raised will be granted to 35 non-profit community organizations that serve to meet basic needs. Donations made in Liberty will remain in the county.
“Remember that dollar for dollar, what is given goes to the agencies,” UWCE campaign chairman Samuel G. McCachern said at the Sept. 13 campaign kickoff. Administrative funding is provided through the Herschel V. Jenkins Trust Fund.
Beneficiaries will be “children going hungry over the weekend, elderly individuals waiting to receive a hot meal during the week, the number of homeless families increasing weekly, families desperate for assistance with after-school care and child-care so they can go to work, and countless homes being foreclosed, families living in homes without power and water,” Darsey said.