The Chilton County United Way announced its new fundraising goal during a kickoff luncheon at the Alabama Power Conference Center Tuesday, Aug. 30.

“We’re off to a good start for our 2011-2012 year,” said Curtis Smith, campaign director. “As of today, we have $42,000 of our $200,000 goal.”

United Way’s current goal of $200,000 is the same as the 2010 goal.

“I feel like it’s going to be a little tough this year due to the economy and the tornadoes we’ve had already this year,” Smith said. “We hope people continue to give in Chilton County to our people in case of disaster.”

Campaign coordinator Gwyn Loyd encouraged everyone to fill out pledge cards for themselves or their businesses.

“Just like the blood that runs through your body, these pledge cards supply the blood for United Way,” Loyd said. “You never know when we’re going to have a disaster in our county.”

Contributors to the kickoff event were Alabama Power Company, Walmart, Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, Winn-Dixie Grocers, Associated Foods, Piggly Wiggly, Dari Delite, The Store (Wadsworth Oil), Kountry Kitchen, Board chairman Curtis Smith and Campaign Chairman Bobby Martin.

For guests’ entertainment, a group of Chilton County High students performed a collection of songs and dances in their program called “Blast from the Past.”

On behalf of the board of directors, Smith thanked everyone in the community who has already contributed time or money to United Way.

“We’re volunteers ourselves,” Smith said. “We give our money, then we get out and try to help raise it. I just feel good about being able to help people in need.”

Any donations made by Dec. 31 will count toward United Way’s $200,000 goal for 2011.

“We appreciate it so much,” Smith said. “We ask (everyone) to help us again.”

The Chilton County United Way supports the following 25 agencies: Arthritis Foundation, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Care Net, Child Protect, Chilton County Board of Education, Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, Chilton-Shelby Mental Health, Chilton County YMCA, Chilton Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Department of Human Resources, Family Sunshine Center, 4-H Program (Alabama Cooperative Extension), Freedom Forum, Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama, Habitat for Humanity Autauga and Chilton counties, Humane Society of Chilton County, Operation Santa Claus – Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, Pediatric Rehab, PEECH (Chilton Education Foundation), Raleigh’s Place, SPAN of Chilton County, Toys for Kids Maplesville and West Central Ala. Rehab.