The United Way of Prince Edward County has distributed $30,000 to its partners across the Heart of Virginia.

The United Way presented the donations during its recent winter meeting held in the Fellowship Hall at the College Church at Hampden-Sydney, according to a press release.

The organization has a goal of raising $45,000 for the year, and has already raised over $39,000. Last year this time, the group had only raised $23,000.

“It is an exciting year. I’m ecstatic,” said Rucker Snead, the group’s president. “This is the earliest, since I’ve been involved with the United Way, that we have reached this figure. We are definitely on track to raise over $45,000 this year.”

Over the past four years, the group has raised and distributed on average about $40,000 to help its 19 partner organizations. This year, United Way has added one more member organization to the team.

Locally, the group makes contributions to a wide variety of organizations that have missions to support the citizens in Southside Virginia. These organizations, among others, include the Boy and Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, FACES, Virginia Legal Aid Society and Heartland Horse Heroes.

“Our Prince Edward United Way funds are used to cover training, transportation and the ongoing support costs associated with providing employment services to Prince Edward County residents with disabilities,” said Sharon Harrup, president and CEO of STEPS, Inc. “The majority of the contribution covered transportation costs to ensure job stability for our employees with disabilities.”

Money from the United Way benefits several Boy Scout troops in Farmville, according to Eric Eberly, the assistant scoutmaster of Troop 6596.

“The last check we received from the United Way was $1,000,” he said. “It was allocated $500 to Cub Scout Pack 6296 sponsored by Heritage Baptist Church, $250 to Boy Scout Troop 6516 sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church and $250 to Boy Scout Troop 6596 sponsored by St. Theresa Catholic Church. The money will be used to provide five scholarships to Cub Camp ($95 each) and two scholarships to Boy Scout Camp ($295 each).”

The United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit, engaging people from all walks of life in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories, and among its partners are global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, civic and faith organizations, as well as educators, labor, health organizations and governments.

Meanwhile, the group discussed plans for “Plates for a Purpose,” its version of restaurant week, when locals restaurants will be asked to give a portion of their sales back to the community. This year the group plans to conduct “Plates for a Purpose” during March 14-19.

“We are looking forward to it,” said board member Bruce Davis, who is organizing the event.

He said the hope is that this initial undertaking will raise a few thousand dollars while laying the foundation for greater future success.

For more information on Prince Edward’s United Way or to donate, visit www.uwprinceedward.org, write to Prince Edward United Way, P.O. Box 122, Farmville, Va., 23901 or call (434) 223-6260.