In its 60 or so years of existence in Caldwell County, the United Way has used its funding to help local residents who need it the most, and this year will be no different.

"We want people to know that we are focused on the county and helping our neighbors in need," said Chris Davis, United Way president and CPO. "Every penny that we raise stays in Caldwell County to help the 18 local agencies with their programs. The only time we send the funds elsewhere is if someone makes a special request."

Davis and representatives of the county's United Way agencies officially kicked off the annual fundraising campaign Tuesday with fun and games.

Hosted at Bo's Bodacious Family Entertainment Center, Davis said the community enjoyed an afternoon of bowling and had the opportunity to ask any questions they had about the campaign. Davis said the goal is to familiarize the public with the agencies so they know exactly what their money goes toward.

"This event is all about public awareness so our community is aware of what their money is used for," Davis said. "We want our community to see first-hand the work our agencies provide so they feel more comfortable sharing their hard-earned money. In so many cases, people volunteer with multiple agencies and don't realize they fall under our umbrella, so we like to educate the public as much as we can.

Among the 18 agencies that are part of the United Way of Caldwell County are Caldwell Committee for Healthy Families, Caldwell Council on Adolescent Health, Caldwell Friends, Inc., Caldwell People, Communities in Schools, Healthy Caldwellians, Caldwell County Yokefellow, Caldwell County Department of Social Services, Lenoir Soup Kitchen, the Shelter Home of Caldwell County and South Caldwell Christian Ministries. Other agencies include Caldwell County 4-H, Dulatown Outreach Center, Girl Scout Council of the Catawba Valley, Inc., the Piedmont Council of Boy Scouts of America, Adult Life Programs, Appalachian RSVP and the Caldwell County Senior Center.

"All of our agencies work together for the benefit of our community," said Sharon Poarch, director of the Shelter Home. "We each provide our own unique services, but our ability to work together allows us to reach out to many in the community."

Caldwell County Senior Center Assistant Director Cyndi Daulton agreed, adding that community support allows the agencies to do the work they do.

"As a group, our agencies touch everyone in some way or another," said Sharon Berry, Caldwell County Senior Center executive director. "The contributions provided by the community go directly to those who are in need and gives us the ability to help as many people as we can."

Now that this year's campaign officially is under way, Davis said he is looking forward to a great season. He said the goal is to raise at least $600,000 by early February.

There are plenty of ways for people to contribute, Davis said, including online, by phone or by mail. Davis said the United Way of Caldwell County follows an open-designation policy, which means people can put their money toward the organization of their choice.

For those interested in donating or seeking additional information, the United Way's phone number is (828) 758-9300; the e-mail address is caldwelluw@bellsouth.net; and the group's Web site is www.caldwell-unitedway.org.