With less than three weeks remaining in the 2009-10 fundraising campaign, the United Way of Scotland County is breathing a little easier about reaching its goal of $180,000.

"We're at about 92 percent of our goal following a one day phone-a-thon that raised almost $5,000 so far with more to come," said United Way of Scotland County Executive Director Barbara Alexander.

The campaign ends Jan. 31.

"In addition to what we raised by phone, St. Andrews College and the housing authority are just starting to collect, and we're waiting for most of the public schools to bring in their pledges as well. We feel like these contributions will help us make our goal," Alexander said.

Campaign Chairman Tommy Brigman shared Alexander's enthusiasm for the amount raised thus far.

"The phone-a-thon turned out to be a bigger success than we anticipated," Brigman said. "If we end up with a grand total of $185,000 from the campaign, we'll be happy."

While meeting the yearly goal appears to be in sight, the work of raising funds for area nonprofits doesn't end, according to Brigman.

"We are beginning work on next year's campaign now," Brigman said with a laugh. "We are always accepting donations."

Alexander said contributions to the United Way truly "make a difference" in Scotland County.

"Contributions are working year-round building a brighter future for our children, enriching the lives of our elderly, giving hope to those who are hurting, strengthening families and so much more," she said. "About 97 percent of the money raised through United Way stays in the community. By contributing to United Way, you are making a commitment to care about the lives of your family, friends and neighbors."

Donated funds are distributed to the 19 partner agencies the United Way serves.

"If donations exceed this year's monetary goal, the amount of money that the nonprofit agencies funded by the United Way receive will be increased in turn," Alexander said. "By contributing to United Way, you are making a commitment to care about the lives of your family, friends and neighbors."

The 19 partner agencies the United Way funds are as follows; American Red Cross Scotland County Chapter, Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America, Child Care Directions, Church Community Services, Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Center, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Scotland Community Health Clinic, Scotland Co Concerned Citizens for the Homeless, Scotland County Firefighter’s Association, Scotland County 4-H, Scotland County Humane Society, Scotland County Literacy Council, Scotland County Safety Town, Scotland County Senior Games, Scotland County Special Olympics, Scotland Enterprises, Scotland Family Counseling Center, and Scots for Youth.

The United Way of Scotland County was begun in 1953 and has had a number of community leaders serve as the campaign chair including Wayne Hobbes, Greg Wood, and Nancy Adcock.

To contribute to the United Way's 2009/2010 Campaign or beyond, contact Alexander at 910-276-6064 or visit www.uwscotco.org.