The year might almost be over but it isn’t too late to help United Way make a difference in our communities.

The charitable organization has extended its 2010 campaign until Jan. 31, 2011, with the hopes that these final few weeks will push them over the top of their goal and offer more resources for its sponsored agencies.

The local arm, United Way of the River Cities, took a different approach this year and one that should make a big impact when looking at the big picture.

Instead of focusing solely on dollars raised, United Way’s Be1 Get1 campaign is geared toward growing the number of people involved in the program by encouraging citizens to first become a donor and secondly to get someone else to be a part too.

The goal was to grow the number of donors by 15 percent. This is a smart strategy because getting more people on board will go beyond short-term gains.

The United Way is an important organization that truly has a tremendous impact in our communities because it leverages each and every dollar donated in order to get maximum bang for the proverbial buck.

Supported programs include food pantries, the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization’s affordable prescription program, the Boy Scouts of America and serveral initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle, just to name a few.

For information on how to get involved and make a difference by Jan. 31, contact the United Way office at 304-523-8929 or 740-532-2700 in Lawrence County or liveunited@unitedwayrivercities.org.

It isn’t too late to give a gift in 2010, one that may have an impact for years to come.