Instead of simply telling people where their money goes, representatives from United Way of the River Cities are showing them.

Recently, representatives and volunteers from United Way of the River Cities have been visiting local businesses

and government offices, encouraging employees to donate to the organization that serves Lawrence County as well as Cabell, Wayne, Mason and Lincoln counties in West Virginia. During these visits, representatives from organizations receiving United Way funding have come along to tell potential donors about how their money will be spent.

"We want people to know that their money does stay here," said Linda Pennington, a production planner from the Liebert Corporation, who is a "loaned volunteer" from United Way. Businesses such as Liebert and Duke Energy have loaned their employees to help the organization's fund-raising efforts.

Twenty-nine of the organization's member agencies provide services to Lawrence County residents and 40 percent of county residents receive these services. The Lawrence County agency receiving the most funding is the City Welfare Mission in Ironton, receiving approximately $37,000 after United Way's last campaign. Money raised in Lawrence County stays in the county.

Other Lawrence County organizations receiving money from United Way include the Chesapeake Community Center, Special Olympics, the United Health Foundation and Boy and Girl scout troops.

After office rallies, United Way will give the employees a couple of weeks to fill out their pledge cards. Because the campaign lasts until the end of the year, may wait until the end of the year to pay, Pennington said. For "early birds", people who turn in pledge cards early, some employers are offering things such as days off with pay.

Wednesday, representatives came to the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services to rally their employees.

"This was an educational type of thing to make people aware of the variety of services and to provide reassurances that money put in Lawrence County stays in Lawrence County," said Buddy Martin, director. "Traditionally, Lawrence County gets more money than is actually collected."

Terry Porter, a social services supervisor for the department and president of the United Health Foundation board, said many employees were well-versed at his office because of their positions. However, those working at other organizations may not know that.

These visits, Martin said, may also clear up any misconceptions that Lawrence Countians may have about United Way of the River Cities because of its office being located in Huntington, W.Va.

"United Way is a good organization for our county and the Tri-State," he said. "This will help rip the river walls down. There are things on the other side of the river that will help people in Lawrence County. Some people think it's a West Virginia program, and it's not a West Virginia program. The office just has to be located somewhere."