As needs grow in local communities, United Way of Hall County officials are aiming to raise the same level of funding as last year.

The nonprofit group set a goal of $1.8 million for its annual fundraising campaign.

"We're very optimistic," United Way of Hall County President Jackie Wallace said.

"This is a very philanthropic community, and we believe we can raise that amount."

A kickoff breakfast and presentation was held Tuesday morning at Riverside Military Academy to announce the goal.

Wallace explained that money raised from the campaign helps support each of the nonprofit's 16 partner agencies in Hall County, such as the Alliance for Literacy, Gateway Domestic Violence Center and The Salvation Army.

"The money we raise here stays here," she said.

Wallace told the audience at the kickoff event United Way already was at about 25 percent of its goal before the breakfast began.

Cornerstone companies, or businesses that agreed to take an early start to fundraising in August, had raised $453,000.

The figure topped their goal of $445,000.

"The cornerstone companies give us a good foundation and build momentum," Wallace said.

United Way organizers unveiled their goal with the help of two puppets, which are usually used to teach young people about healthy relationships.

The audience laughed as the puppets collapsed as Wallace announced the $1.8 million figure.

A major theme in the presentation was simple ways to help others, such as donating blood or volunteering time.

Davis White, chairman of the 2010 campaign, said with the sluggish economy, the need for funds is greater than ever, and that Hall County residents have been supportive in both good and bad economic times.

"We need to dig deeper for those that need funding and support," White said.

"It was tougher for people to donate their time and resources last year, but they have and that was felt throughout the community."

Sixty-three years of United Way of Hall County fundraising campaigns has generated more than $43 million for the local community.