The United Way of Selma and Dallas County

has set its annual goal for the year 2005

at $475,000 – $25,000 more than was actually collected last year.

United Way Executive Director Jeff Cothran made the announcement at the United Way offices along with this year’s campaign chair and co-chair.

Chairing the drive will be Tim Troha, owner of Campbell & Pearson on Highway 22, with Carver Boynton, manager of Selma Mall, co-chairing.

“We need for the community to step up this year,” said Cothran. “The agencies (funded by United Way) are committed and supportive of the campaign and have promised to help out with the drive.”

“If we make our goal the agencies will get more money this year. Tim and Carver will do an outstanding job for us. Tim has helped us on other projects. He is energized and no doubt will be a great success as chairman. And Carver, who has served on our board for two years, will be a real asset and provide major leadership as a board member,” he said.

Cothran said that the campaign will run from mid-August through the end of the year.

The kickoff event will soon be announced, he said.

Agencies funded by United Way include Salvation Army, SABRA Sanctuary, Bosco Food Center, American Red Cross, Special Pre-School Program, Cahaba Center for Mental Health, Crippled Children and Adults Association, Tukabatchee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Selma A.I.R., YMCA – Grist Branch, YMCA – Brown Branch, Literary Outreach Program, Selma Area Food Bank, Sickle Cell Disease Association, Selma Youth Development Center and South Central Alabama Girl Scout Council.

When broken out by percentages, 41 percent of United Way funds collected goes to youth services, 15 percent to family assistance, 15 percent to health services, 13 percent to mental health, 11 percent to disaster assistance and 5 percent to education.

In recent months United Way has established HealthLink Partnership with Vaughan Community Health Services, which will bring more than $150,000 worth of free or low-cost drugs for seniors.

According to United Way materials, “The mission of the United Way of Selma and Dallas County is to seek out and find ways to make real lasting changes to better the lives of the people we serve. You the people of Dallas County are the people we serve.”