Chilton County United Way reached its goal of $200,000, the organization’s campaign chairman, Bobby Martin, announced yesterday.

Top contributors for the 2008-09 fundraising campaign were recognized during the annual appreciation luncheon.

“Times are hard right now,” Martin told those in attendance. “People are struggling, and a lot of people are without jobs. But we hope our United Way stays solid through all this.”

The largest out-of-county contributor was Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama employees, and the largest local contributor was Williams Company of Billingsley.

Also, the top three schools that participated in Dollar Day were recognized at the ceremony. Dollar Day is a relatively new tradition that allows students to give to United Way.

The top schools were Jemison Elementary School, Jemison Middle School, and Jemison High School.

“I’m so glad we have Dollar Day,” said Peggy Marcus, United Way Board member and director of Dollar Day. “I think if you teach kids to give at an early age, it goes on.”

Agencies that have benefited from United Way include: Chilton County Humane Society, YMCA, Chilton-Shelby Mental Health, Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, American Heart Association, Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, CITY Program, Family Sunshine Center, West Central Alabama Rehab Center, Morning Star Ministries, Pediatric Rehab, Civil Air Patrol, 4H, Mentoring Program, Chilton Education Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Chilton County Public Schools, Batten Disease, Freedom Forum, DHR, Toys for Kids, Project Kids, Special Olympics, and Arthritis Foundation.

“United Way is all about helping people,” Martin said. “If it were not for United Way, a lot of these agencies wouldn’t exist.”

United Way Board chairman Curtis Smith was unable to attend because he was recovering from surgery. He is reportedly doing well.