Kroger employees believe in giving back.

For the last seven years, Dawsonville Kroger has led the way with United Way for Dawson County contributions, this year collecting nearly $20,000 for the local campaign.

"This year Dawsonville Kroger had the highest campaign in their entire division. That's incredible. We are so lucky to have Ed Loy and his staff here to accept their plaque," said Mandy Power, United Way board member.

Kroger was named the campaign's top contributor March 13 during United Way's annual appreciation luncheon that recognizes top donors and celebrates the local organization's successful 2013 fundraising effort.

Northside Hospital-Forsyth was the second place finisher, collecting about $7,400, and Dawson County schools pulled in a close third with more than $7,000 in employee contributions.

First Citizens Bank of Georgia was recognized as the top contributing bank and received the Community Chest Award.

While the overall campaign goal fell a few thousand dollars short, United Way collected more than $94,000 that will be distributed to partner agencies serving Dawson County.

United Way for Dawson County, whose mission is to improve lives ... by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of residents, provides monetary support to 14 area service agencies, such as the American Red Cross, Challenged Child & Friends, Children's Center for Hope and Healing, 4-H, Family Connection and Reading Education of Dawson County, among others.

Partner agencies say the support is much needed and appreciated.

"Four years ago we took over a program that had a lot of children that were expecting books. Now thanks to the work of these people and contributions from people like United Way...we have about twice the number of children," said Lionel Graves, a volunteer with partner agency WEE Books.

"Also the schools have told us the children that come in from this are more advanced than the children who have not. We appreciate what you do for us."