The United Way of Richmond County wrapped up its 2009-10 campaign last week and surpassed both the goal and last year’s total.

The agency raised $279,000, or $4,000 more than their goal. Last year the group raised $262,000.

“Considering the economic climate we’re in now, I think it’s great that we met our goal,” said vice chairman Claudia Robinette. “I think it’s a tribute to the citizens who give to the United Way even in times when they themselves may be strapped for funds. Richmond County still has that giving attitude.”

Money raised by the United Way goes to 18 agencies that cater to a wide range of needs. This year two new groups were added to the list, Habitat for Humanity and Back Pack Pals. The others are Sandhills Children Center, Roberdel Children’s Center, Richmond County 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Red Cross, New Horizons, the Rockingham Soup Kitchen/Homeless Shelter, the Hamlet Soup Kitchen, Richmond County Aging Services, Samaritan Colony, Richmond County Literacy Council, Richmond County Christian Counseling, Rockingham Rescue Squad, Leak Street Alumni and the Salvation Army.

Michelle Parrish, the executive director of the United Way, was please with the results. She said some of the people who have simply been donors in the past are finding that with the economy they are having to use some of the services they never thought they’d need.

“With the economy being what it is, we were really optimistic that we’d make our goal and the folks came through,” Parrish said. “For some of these agencies, outside donations have been down, and they depend on us. It’s really made a difference in the programs these agencies can provide.”

This year, Perdue Farms, which had not been a donor was added to the list.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Lee Butler, the secretary on the board. “We hit our goal. That is something we strived for last year and missed it, but not this time. Michelle has done a great job. She’s far more visible than we have been in the past.”

The United Way has started to require agencies keep track of how many people they serve. Parrish in the past year, 25,593 people received services from the 16 agencies. Some of that could be duplication. A child could be in the Backpack Pals program, which provides food to elementary school children who might not eat well during the weekend and also be in a 4-H program and would be counted twice.

The agencies aren’t given a lump sum, but payments are made quarterly. Parrish makes sure that each agency is doing what it is supposed to do and the United Fund can withhold money if they aren’t.

“That’s one of the good things is we’re meshing things together and the United Way is really becoming part of the community,” Butler said.

The goal for the 2010-11 campaign won’t be set until later in the year.

“It’s been totally amazing, and we’re really excited about the upcoming years,” Butler said.

Peter Williams can reached at 997-3111 Ext. 18 or by e-mail at pwilliams@yourdailyjournal.com.