The 2009 Pike County United Way campaign is under way and businesses are being contacted to enlist continued support and generate new support for the countywide fundraising campaign.

“The major portion of the dollars that are raised comes through our local business and their payroll deduction plans,” said Jim Medley of Brundidge, chairman of the Pike County United Way.

“We depend on our businesses for support. Wal-Mart is already into its fundraising campaign at both the Troy store and the Brundidge distribution center. Wal-Mart generously matches dollar for dollar what their employees contribute. Wal-Mart is just one of the many Pike County businesses that help to make our United Way campaign a success.”

Medley said the success of the campaign is important because of the 15 Pike County agencies that are helped through the annual fundraising efforts.

“The first agency that comes to mind is the Troy Charity League because of the important work that those members have been doing for so many years,” he said. “Every year, they conduct hearing and screening checks in all the schools and identify children who can’t hear or see as well as they should. This is a very valuable service and the biggest part of the Charity League’s funding comes from the Pike County United Way.”

Medley said East Central Mental Health is another agency that benefits greatly from United Way funds.

“They have their programs and services and they help a lot of people,” he said. “But they use the funds they get from United Way as seed money for the grants they receive. Through grants, one dollar can be turned into three. That’s the value of the United Way dollars for East Central Mental Health.”

Medley also pointed to the local Red Cross as an agency that has greatly benefited from the United Way.

“At one time, there was thought of closing the Pike County branch but, because of strong leadership and the support of the United Way, our local branch now services Pike and surrounding counties,” he said. “That’s just a few examples of the way United Way is serving the people of Pike County.”

Other local agencies that are served by the Pike County United Way are the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Pike County Firefighters Association, Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Colley Senior Complex, Easter Seals, House of Ruth, Pike County 4-H, Pike County Humane Society and RSVP.

“We will be more than happy to visit businesses or organizations to talk to them about the United Way and how their donations help many people right here at home,” Medley said.

Tonya Gibson, executive director of the Pike County United Way, will make as many personal contacts with business owners and individuals as possible to invite them to be a part of the success of the 2009 Pike County United Way campaign.

Those who would like to contribute to the campaign but don’t have the opportunity through a payroll deduction plan, may do so by mailing a check made payable to Pike County United Way, P.O. Box 204, Troy, AL 36081.

For more information, call Medley at 735-3538 or Gibson at 566-5080.