HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — United Way’s goal this fall is different from in year’s past. Community members may have been accustomed to seeing thermometers across the region, which tracked a monetary fundraising goal.

This year, however, the goal is not measured in dollars, but in people, according to Marc Williams, United Way’s Resource Development Chair. Williams, a partner with Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough LLP, says the organization set out this season to increase the number of donors by 15 percent. “We are committed to the work of advancing the common good in the River Cities,” said Williams.

“In order to make strides in getting to the root causes of such complex issues as substance abuse and childhood obesity, we must engage more people in United Way’s work. We are asking community members to be a contributor, and get a contributor by asking a family member, neighbor, co-worker or friend to become involved with this great organization. We call it the Be1 Get1 campaign.”

“Be1 Get1 is a perfect way to engage more people in our work,” said Laura Gilliam, executive director. “I am often asked what someone can do to help. Getting a friend, neighbor, or family member involved is a great start. And, it doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Every dollar is important.”

To date, United Way has reached 10 percent of its 15 percent goal. United Way’s Board of Directors’ voted at its December board meeting to extend the 2010 Resource Development deadline to Jan. 31.

This extension gives organizations more time to offer their employees the chance to be a part of United Way’s community-wide efforts by making a 2010 pledge.

Organizations that have not run a workplace campaign in 2010 can have until Jan. 31 to do so.

The extension also applies to individuals. Individual donors, both continuing and new, may send their contributions directly to the United Way office at 820 Madison Ave., Huntington, WV 25704.

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.