Special to the Citizen

The Morgan County United Way Advisory Board kicked off this year’s United Way campaign on Wednesday, August 27 with a celebration at the Madison ChopHouse Grille. The breakfast was held in conjunction with the Morgan County Rotary, Kiwanis and Lion’s clubs and a delicious breakfast was served by the ChopHouse. Stan DeJarnett, superintendent for Morgan County Schools and this year’s Honorary Campaign Chair, was the keynote speaker. Marne Matthews, executive vice president for Athens First Bank & Trust and this year’s Northeast Georgia United Way campaign chair, spoke highly of Morgan County’s effort. Last year, Morgan County raised $16,619 towards helping the United Way of Northeast Georgia reach it’s overall goal of $2,075,000.
   

This is the second annual campaign for the United Way of Northeast Georgia in Morgan County. This year the group has set their goal for the campaign at $20,000. Ann Huff, Madison Main Street director, and charter member Judy Malcom of Georgia Power are the 2008 Campaign co-chairs. In 2007, United Way agencies assisted over 2,641 individuals, providing 22,998 pounds of food and provided $12,945 in services to the residents of Morgan County.
   

These funds, services and resources are dispersed among various non-profit agencies serving the Morgan County community.
   

With 13 member agencies providing direct services to citizens in Morgan County, United Way reaches out to every sector of the community. Morgan County’s own Caring Place, Inc. received a grant check from the United Way for $4,000 and will now become an official United Way-funded agency which will be allocated funds along with the rest of United Way’s 29 agencies in the spring. United Way of Northeast Georgia also serves Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Jackson, Barrow, Madison, Franklin and Stephens counties. If you are interested in learning more about your community and United Way, please visit the United Way’s website at www.unitedwaynega.org. If you would like to make a donation to United Way of Northeast Georgia to help those in need in Morgan County, whether it be by one-time gift by cash or check, a payroll deduction at work or direct billing, contact Ann Huff or Judy Malcom. You may also donate through the Web site.