The Chilton County United Way is wrapping up its 2016 allocation payouts and have turned its focus to the 2017 campaign.

Next year’s campaign slogan is “we are making a difference together.”

That is the message that the Chilton County United Way looks to convey to the public on a daily basis.

“We really like to stress that,” said Christy Foshee, with Chilton County United Way. “All the money stays here in Chilton County.”

The goal for money raised in 2017 has been set at $175,000.

“75 percent of every dollar collected goes back to the agencies,” Foshee said. “Not a lot of non-profit organizations can say that.”

According to Yolanda Boggs, chairwoman with Chilton County United Way, attaining that goal would allow an increase in allocation to each of the agencies that the United Way helps support.

However, the continued backing of the community is something that is needed and will dictate whether or not the goal is reached.

According to a press release, the United Way is expected to pay out about $110 to 20 different agencies located throughout Chilton County.

“As we meet with our agencies each year, we find that more and more of our youth need our assistance,” Boggs said. “That assistance is with agencies that deal with everything from child abuse to needing school supplies.”

According to Foshee, any resident in Chilton County can call 2-1-1 to find assistance in many types of situations or emergencies, such as help with light or medical bills.

The call requires no charge and is a service that the United Way pays for so that the people of Chilton County can have the relief of knowing that someone is always out there ready to help, Foshee said.

The holiday season is a popular time for people to donate both time and money to help others in need.

An interesting outlet for people to give back is by registering at www.smile.amazon.com.

Once this is done, Amazon will donate .5 percent of the purchased price to the charitable organization of your choice.

Donations to the Chilton County United Way are tax deductable and companies are asked to consider allowing members of the United Way to make a 30-minute presentation to encourage their employees to make a payroll deduction.

Other forms of donation also include mailing checks to Chilton County United Way at P.O. Box 1104 in Clanton or having the option of being billed.