With two months remaining in the United Way of Scotland County's 2009/10 Campaign, Executive Director Barbara Alexander wants to better share her organization's purpose and vision with the community.

"We need to explain the United Way mission to new people in town, to young people, to anyone who is unfamiliar with our goals," she said as the guest speaker of the Laurinburg Rotary Club on Tuesday.

"We have a few new sponsors, but most are those we've had in the past."

The campaign closes Jan 31.

Although 70 percent of its $185,000 goal has been reached for this year's drive, a lower amount than in previous years due to the area's economic downturn, more help is needed, Alexander said, since regular sponsors aren't always able to donate like they have in the past.

"With the economy the way it is, non-profits really need assistance," she said. "More people require our services, while fewer are giving. Everyone is feeling the pinch."

As part of her presentation, Alexander narrated a brief slide show that gave an overview of the United Way and the services it provides in Scotland County.

"Donations to United Way, with its 19 partner agencies, touches two of every three people in Scotland County each year in some way," she said. "More than likely you know someone who has been helped."

Alexander pointed out that not all United Way partners are designed to provide emergency aid.

"Some of our partners provide emergency aid, such as the Red Cross or the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center," she said, "but many, such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for example, focus on projects to help make Scotland County a better place to live."

Alexander was introduced to the assembly by Rotary Club member Wade Dunbar.

"We've got a couple more months left before the deadline," Dunbar said. "Although we've lost a lot of sponsors in Scotland County, there is still time to give."

Alexander and Dunbar distributed pledge forms for the 44 Rotary Club members in attendance to sign and return if they wished to contribute. In exchange for their donations, members were entered into a drawing to receive a t-shirt and a $25 gift certificate.

To donate to the United Way of Scotland County, contact Alexander at 276-6064 or visit their website at www.uwscotco.org.