The United Way of Hall County has three more months to meet its $1.87 million goal.

Hall County United Way President Jackie Wallace said at a mid-campaign progress breakfast Tuesday that the agency has raised 54 percent of its goal. She said contributions will be accepted until March, but the organization will announce its final contribution figure in February.

"It’s been a very challenging year," Wallace said. "We’re doing about where we were last year percentage wise, but we do have a lower goal this year."

The United Way of Hall County provides financial assistance to dozens of nonprofit agencies in the community that support children and youth, crisis intervention, self-sufficiency and health.

Five United Way partners were featured at the breakfast Tuesday, including the Salvation Army, Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Good News Clinics, where any of the 37,000 uninsured Hall County residents can receive free dental and medical care, Wallace said.

She said many groups in the community have donated to the United Way of Hall County this year, including Hamilton State Bank, which increased its giving 28 percent over last year.

Wallace said Flowery Branch High School students also rallied students and staff to increase school participation in United Way fundraising from 10 percent to 26 percent.

Wallace said support from the United Way is in high demand, and community donations are needed to help those in Hall County who need rape crisis or domestic violence services, assistance in learning to read or a safe place to go after school.

"It’s critical that we have the support of the community," she said. "We want people to know it doesn’t have to be large contributions. ... Every dollar counts."