The United Way's 2019 fundraising campaign is under way and officials for the organization say its doing well so far. The campaign kicked off officially in September of this year with a goal of $900,000.
"We've raised 40 percent of our goal thus far," said Mark Bledsoe, United Way president/CEO. "David and Robin Hickerson, our campaign co-chairs, have done a tremendous job this year. Fundraising this year is ahead of schedule compared to the previous four years. However there is still a long way to go."
United Way representatives are available to visit with businesses or groups to help them learn about the organization's mission.
"We'd love to come out to any businesses that would be interested in starting a United Way campaign at their location. All the interested business would need to do is call us at 903-794-3105," he said.
The campaign will end in March 2019.
There were 26 different programs which received grants of more than $508,000 total with funds raised by last year's campaign. Bledsoe is hoping to raise even more money this year for programs in the community aimed at improving education, health or income level of those in the community who need assistance.
"We are hoping for an uptick in contributions in this year's campaign," he said.
The United Way of Greater Texarkana serves a nine-county area: Bowie, Miller, Cass, Red River, Little River, Titus, Marion, Morris and Lafayette counties.