The United Way of Prince Edward County has set an ambitious goal of raising $60,000 for the 2018-19 fiscal year, a press release cited.

According to the release, “The United Way received 23 applications for funding, and its all volunteer board is reviewing 22 of them.” The release went on to say, “After surpassing last year’s goal of $55,000, and giving out a record $50,000 to its 20 partner organizations, the group’s board of directors decided at their Monday, Aug. 13, meeting to be bolder this year.”

“We are meeting some real needs,” said Rucker Snead, the group’s president. “We are helping some folks in our community.”

The release noted that through the years, United Way funds have gone toward everything from putting a roof on a community building, to helping community group’s keep their lights on, to providing meals.

Consequently, the group has been reluctant to specify where and what its monies can be used for or go toward. According to the release all of the Prince Edward United Way’s monies are raised and spent locally, and the group doesn’t receive funds from the national organization.

“While we operate under the national United Way trademark, we don’t get any financial support from the national organization,” Board Member Rhonda Arnold noted. Added Snead, “It all comes from money raised right here. We get some (grant) money nationally, but for the most part it’s all money raised right here.”

Meanwhile, the board decided to undertake a number of fundraisers, including sending out letters of solicitation to prominent residents, bake sales, and efforts connected with local businesses. The board voted to host the second Annual Duck Derby fundraiser later this fiscal year. The first derby raised approximately $9,000.

For more information or to support the United Way of Prince Edward County, and area residents make checks payable to United Way of Prince Edward County and send to Box 122 Farmville, 23901 or visit the website at uwprinceedward.org/.