Chilton County United Way recognized many of its sponsors at an appreciation luncheon Tuesday at Clanton First United Methodist Church.

“It’s a big number that has helped,” United Way Board Chairman Curtis Smith said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to reach the people we do.”

Smith estimated United Way is 90 percent to its goal of $200,000 and said the group would continue working toward the goal.

“It’s been a rough year for us, but our board has worked tirelessly, and people have given as they could,” Smith said. “We certainly appreciate everybody’s help.”

Smith stressed that United Way tries to keep administrative costs low—there are only two paid employees—and that about 75 percent of the group’s donations go to children.

Those who were recognized for giving to United Way were: AT&T Foundation, Chandler Drug, Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center employees, Jimmy Martin, JoAnn Black, Key Properties, Martin Funeral Home, Regions Bank Clanton employees, Regions Bank Jemison employees, Alabama Power Foundation, AT&T employees, Chilton-Shelby Mental Health employees, Chilton Medical Center employees, Clanton Lions Club, Hyundai team members, Jimmy and Linda Northcutt, PeachTree Bank employees, Peoples Southern Bank main branch employees, Peoples Southern Bank south branch employees, Peoples Southern Banchares, Walmart employees, Walmart, Wayne and Lynn McKinnon, Williams employees, Alabama Power employees, Alabama state employees, CRH North America employees, Chilton County Board of Education employees, EBSCO/Wayne Industries, EBSCO, Blue Cross/Blue Shield employees.

Lloyd Nutter and Kenneth Moates were presented appreciation certificates for helping the organization.

Also, several Chilton County schools participated in the “Dollar Day” program this year, including Jemison Elemenary (which gave the highest amount), Chilton County High School, Clanton Intermediate, Clanton Middle, Jemison Middle and Jemison High.