The United Way of Leflore County is continuing to "beat the bushes" as it strives to reach its annual goal of $110,000.
George Flanagan, the 2004-2005 president of the United Way, and incoming president Dale Persons spoke to the Greenwood Kiwanis Club Thursday, urging individuals and companies alike to give to the organization that helps fund 12 agencies in Leflore County.
To date, the campaign has generated $94,000, Flanagan said. That is $11,000 short of last year's allocations and $16,000 short of this year's goal.
"A lot of people don't know all there is to know about the United Way. They don't know the whole story," Flanagan said.
The United Way of Leflore County operates through a volunteer board, and Freda Maxey is the executive director.
"Over 99 percent of the donations made in Leflore County stay in Leflore County," Flanagan said. "Less than 1 percent goes to national."
The money generated in the county funds 12 agencies. They are the American Red Cross; Beacon Harbor; Boy Scouts, Chickasaw Council; Communities in Schools; the Community Food Pantry; Greenwood Community and Recreational Center; Leflore County 4-H Clubs; Habitat for Humanity; Northwest Mississippi Girl Scout Council; the Salvation Army; the Free Clinic; and Greenwood Interfaith Ministries' Community Kitchen.
Any non-profit agency has the right to apply for funding from the United Way, Flanagan said.
Agencies that receive funding must meet certain requirements. If they do, the money is then allocated based on need and availability of funds.
The United Way also makes sure the money it donates to these agencies is being spent wisely, he said.
"People really don't realize what's going on in the community without being involved in these agencies," he said.
Flanagan said the United Way will take any donations - big or small. "We will take anything we can get."
