Staff Report

The United Way of Selma and Dallas County will kick off its campaign Sept. 14 with a “Day of Caring” in which area companies are partnered with United Way agencies to work on a small project together.

The purpose of the project is to “raise awareness in our community and at the workplaces of what United Way is doing in our area,” according to organizers.

“We just need people to realize the importance of the community and investing in the community,” said Jeff Cothran, director of the United Way.

After the work is complete, a luncheon will be held at the YMCA to officially kick off the campaign.

While the goal for this year’s campaign hasn’t been decided, last year’s goal was $450,000.

The money raised is used locally to fund the 15 agencies that come under the umbrella of the United Way.

The United Way and its agencies are “doing what matters” to improve the quality of life in the community, Cothran said. “People’s donations are doing so much.”

Some of the programs highlighted include:

& The HealthLink program, which brought in $1.5 million worth of prescription drugs last year.

& 50,000 meals were served last year through the various agencies.

& More than 4,000 young people participated last year in youth programs such as the Girl Scouts of America.

“These are real commitments in making this community a better place to live,” Cothran said. “The only thing that holds us up from helping more people is money,”

Any donation made to United Way – which is tax deductible – is an investment in all of the agencies funded by the United Way of Selma and Dallas County.

For more information on how you can get involved, contact Cothran at 874-8383.