By Kathryn Purcell
Managing Editor

It’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Come next Wednesday, the local branch of the United Way will have to agree.  Morgan County United Way is set to launch the local organization’s second annual campaign on Wednesday, August 27 with a breakfast at Madison ChopHouse Grille, beginning at 8:30 a.m.                    

Held in conjunction with the Morgan County Kiwanis, Lion’s and Rotary clubs, the kick-off breakfast is open to the public.                    

According to Judy Malcom, 2008 Campaign co-chair, Morgan County United Way will be introducing their advisory board, including Honorary Campaign Chair Stan DeJarnett, who will say a few words about United Way and ask for support from the community. Additionally, a film, created by United Way of Northeast Georgia about all member agencies and the organization’s benefits, will be shown.
   

Also at the breakfast kick-off, the local organization will announce this year’s Campaign goal of $20,000.
   

It is Malcom’s hope that, aside from individual donations, area businesses will get their employees involved in the United Way Campaign.
   

“We hope that individual companies throughout the community will run individual campaigns for employees, either through payroll deductions or a one-time check,” Malcom said. Those who give to United Way don’t walk away empty-handed, either.
   

The organization provides those who give $144 a year or more a Caring Card, which provides the bearer with discounts at various merchants locally as well as in Watkinsville and Athens.    

Malcom maintains that anyone from any walk of life can benefit from the agencies that United Way assists, agencies that include those geared toward anyone from special needs children to the elderly to battered women. In fact, she says, many local residents already have, through organizations like The Caring Place, American Red Cross and Community Connection/211. “The Caring Place, for example, is Madison’s first agency that our funds will go directly to,” Malcom said.
   

Last year, agencies associated with United Way assisted more than 2,600 individuals, provided almost 23,000 pounds of food and provided almost $13,000 in services to Morgan County citizens, according to information provided. In addition to Morgan County, United Way of Northeast Georgia serves Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Jackson, Barrow, Madison, Franklin and Stephens counties.                

“With 13 member agencies providing direct services to citizens in Morgan County, United Way reaches out to every sector of the community,” information provided states. Anyone interested in learning more about this year’s Morgan County United Way Campaign is encouraged to come to the kick-off breakfast on Wednesday, August 27.                    

Those who wish to make a donation to United Way, whether it’s through a one-time cash or check gift, payroll deduction at work or direct billing, can contact Ann Huff or Judy Malcom or donate through the Web site at www.unitedwaynega.org.