Staff Writer

Campaign 2001 has little to do with politics and much to do with helping others.

The Pike County United Way fund-raising campaign officially kicked off Tuesday.

Soon, signs will be going up around the county and residents will begin receiving letters requesting donations.

Last year’s goal of $100,000 was not met, making it impossible to fund any of the United Way’s 14 agencies completely.

"No one is fully funded, right now," said Jane Thrash, secretary/bookkeeper for the United Way.

Board members are working to change that and have set a $130,000 goal for the campaign.

"We’re real proud of the opportunity to work with these agencies," said Doc Kirby, president of the United Way’s board of directors.

"We do this because we believe in the different agencies we serve," said Kirby, who knows about the benefits of the Boy Scouts of America because of being an Eagle Scout and an active Scout leader.

The Boy Scouts is one of the agencies financially supported by United Way. From the 2000 campaign, $10,000 went to the Boy Scouts.

Other agencies and the amounts they received are: Alabama Easter Seals, $1,000; American Red Cross, $21,500; East Central Mental Health, $10,500; Girl Scouts of South Central Alabama, $6,500; Pike County 4-H Clubs, $13,000; RSVP, $5,000; The House of Ruth, $6,000; Pike County Christmas, $1,000; Troy Charity League, $7,000; Salvation Army, $6,500; Pike County YMCA, $4,000; Colley Senior Complex, $4,000 and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County, $2,000.

The United Way’s 14 agencies touch many lives, but it costs money.

And, there are different ways to give to the United Way.

Whether it’s through cash, pledges throughout the year or payroll deduction it goes right back into the community.

"It doesn’t matter if it’s a dollar. A dollar goes to help someone," Thrash said of the campaign.

Businesses, schools and organizations are being contacted about helping to reach this year’s $130,000 goal.