United Way announces new fundraising goal

The United Way of the Midlands announced today that it plans to raise at least $10.9 million for its 2015-16 campaign, $200,000 more than the previous year.

The organization made the announcement this morning at the State House in celebration of United Way Day. United Way Day, a two-day service event starting today, includes having hundreds of volunteers completing projects at partner agencies.

Columbia City Councilman Sam Davis also issued a proclamation renaming Main Street for the day as “United Way.”

The funds raised would invest in community programs focused on education, financial stability and health. More than 3,000 people received free dental care in the past year through the United Way, according to a news release. The organization also housed more than 220 homeless people to achieve its goal of eliminating chronic homelessness by 2016. About 400 volunteer tutors worked with 568 students last school year through the United Way.

This year’s goal surpasses last year’s $10.7 million raised, which exceeded the 2014-15 goal of $10.5 million. United Way officials said the organization has already raised $4.7 million through companies with workplace giving campaigns.