A large portion of the money United Way takes in during its 2008-09 fundraising campaign will help children in Chilton County.

Many of the 26 local agencies that benefit from United Way are directly related to the Chilton County school system, including the Chilton Education Foundation, Special Olympics, Freedom Forum, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H.

United Way also gives each school $200 to help provide much needed school supplies to underprivileged children.

“We all win when a child succeeds in school,” says a United Way slogan echoed by Executive Director Gwyn Loyd.

On Thursday, Aug. 14, the organization will kick off its fundraising campaign at the Alabama Power Conference Center in south Clanton. The event will begin with lunch at noon.

This year’s theme is “Results You Can See,” and everyone is invited to participate.

“We appreciate those who have helped us reach our goal in the past few years,” said United Way Board chairman Curtis Smith. “We hope we can do it again so we will be able to help these 26 agencies.”

This year, the organization has once again set its goal at $200,000. Loyd said they are already accepting contributions from anyone who wishes to give.

“We are looking forward to the kickoff,” Smith said. “We encourage all our agencies to attend.”

To RSVP, please contact the United Way office at 755-5875. If there is no answer, leave a message.