In a year when more people than ever looked to others for assistance, United Way for Dawson County raised more than $87,000 locally for those in need.

“It was a very difficult year for us and for this community, but we came real close to achieving our goal,” said United Way for Dawson County Chairman Jay Sessions during the group’s 2010 Live United campaign luncheon March 10.

Funds collected in the 2010 campaign exceeded the amount United Way raised for Dawson County in 2009.

“In the economy we have today, that’s a huge achievement for this county,” said board member Katie Strayhorn. “It takes a little from everyone to bring a huge success and we appreciate everyone’s contributions.”

The funds raised primarily through employee contributions across the county will be distributed to 15 area social service organizations.

Partner agencies receiving assistance are American Red Cross, Dawson County 4-H, Rape Response, St. Vincent dePaul and Dawson County Mentoring Program, among others.

“We have 44 volunteers in the schools that are making a tremendous difference in the lives of our kids,” said Ian Cowie, a mentoring program board member. “It’s great, thank you so much for supporting us.”

For the fourth consecutive year, employees at Kroger in Dawsonville were recognized as the top contributors in the county.

“United Way is one of the many great ways Kroger gives back to this community,” said Strayhorn. 

Kroger in Dawsonville has one of the highest United Way pledge campaigns in the state, according to Strayhorn.

“If that doesn’t speak volumes for [Kroger Manager Jay Walker], I don’t know what does. We’re lucky to have him in this community,” Strayhorn said.

United Way for Dawson County is now gearing up for an even more successful 2011 campaign, Sessions said.