Chilton County United Way kicked off their annual four-month-long drive in August to help raise money for local charities and is encouraging the community to help them reach their goal.

The 25th drive, themed “Touch A Life… One person at a time,” supports 25 Chilton County agencies and activities.

The goal for this year is $200,000, and approximately, $150,000 has been raised so far.

For the past five to six years, United Way has been successful in achieving their goal for the drive, said Curtis Smith, chairman of the board for Chilton County United Way.

“We are encouraging people during Christmas time and a time of giving to have open hearts and not let us down with reaching that goal,” said Smith. “The 25 agencies all depend on whether we reach our goal or not and we do not want to have to cut back; we want to be able to at least give the same amount.”

The drive helps numerous people in a years’ time and most agencies need the money given to fully function and aid others, said Bobby Martin, campaign chairman.

Seventy-five percent of the agencies the United Way support help children and young adults.

“One thing we’re really proud of is 90 cents of every dollar goes to the different agencies that we fund,” said Martin.

The drive will end in three weeks on Dec. 31, and contributions that are made are tax deductible.

Donations can be made using several different methods including: mailing a check to P.O. Box 1104 Clanton, Ala., 35056 or call the United Way at 755-5875 or contact campaign chairman and Chilton County Probate Judge Bobby Martin or chairman of the board Curtis Smith.

“I would like to thank the businesses and industries that have already given,” said Smith. “Thank you for contributing.”