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Weak economy hasnt stopped donations to United Way
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United Way of Hall County officials Darrell Snyder, left, and Kelly Lee are pictured with a board illustrating that the group raised 60 percent of the funds for the annual fundraiser campaign. The group announced it’s mid-campaign total during a lunchtime event Tuesday at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County. - photo by Brandee Thomas

Although many businesses and individuals are facing tough financial times, that hasn’t stopped them from giving back to the community.

"The economy has impacted all of us, but I’m pleasantly surprised to see how giving this community is," said Darrell Snyder, chairman of the United Way of Hall County’s annual fundraising campaign. "When times are tough, a good community survives, but a great community excels — and I truly believe Hall County is a great community."

During a lunchtime event Tuesday, United Way officials announced their progress with reaching their proposed $2 million goal for the annual campaign.

Since the campaign began in September, the group already has raised $1.2 million, or 60 percent of its goal, through the contributions of participating companies’ corporate gifts and employee donations.

"We are extremely grateful for this community’s generosity," Snyder said. "Despite tough economic times, we’ve had several companies (participate) for the first time this year. We have also seen some companies that have been participating for years raise their giving level. We are just extremely pleased with the progress that we have made."

The United Way is a nonprofit organization that works to help partnering agencies provide services and programs to improve the lives of members of the community who are in need. Through its annual campaign, United Way is able to provide financial assistance to such organizations as The Boys & Girls Clubs, the Salvation Army and the Gateway Domestic Violence Center.

Although having ample support from the community always is important, United Way officials say that is especially important this year.

"With it being such a difficult economy, all 16 of our partnering agencies are reporting that more people are coming to them for help," Snyder said. "It takes a lot of nerve for people to come ask for help, so the last thing that our partners want to do is tell someone who has built up the nerve to ask that they can’t help because there isn’t enough money."