The United Way of South Central Georgia is kicking off its annual fund drive campaign this week and is urging everyone in the community to consider the impact the agency has on local people in need. A yard sale to benefit the agency will be held Saturday.

United Way Board of Directors President Tom Call, and Vice President/Campaign Chair Stacey Beckham led the kickoff of the annual fund drive campaign this week at WTIF radio station with Chris Beckham hosting the on-the-air event. Board members and volunteers shared the reasons they volunteer with United Way and discussed the impact the partner agencies have on the community.

 Sixteen agencies receive funding from United Way this year and the annual campaign volunteers will be contacting individuals and businesses for support of these programs. With the downturn in the economy and reduced donations, most of the partner agencies are being forced to cut back on staff and services at a time when the need for these services is increasing at an alarming rate. 

 These partners are American Red Cross, Betty Jo Roach United Way Community Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts Alapaha Council, Boy Scouts Chehaw Council, Christian Kitchen, Girl Scouts, Kids Advocacy Coalition, Literacy Volunteers, Meals on Wheels, Needy Children's Fund, Santa's Helpers, Special Olympics, Tift County Child Abuse Council, Tifton Soup Kitchen and United Way Food Bank.

 There are many activities planned for this fall and this Saturday kicks off the Target Community-Wide Yard Sale from 7 until 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with all proceeds going to United Way, and in the afternoon, the "Jog for Jake" will be held at Tift County High School to benefit United Way Santa's Helpers/Toys for Tots. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and the starting time is 7 a.m. The registration fee is $20.00.

 For more information on these programs or to schedule a speaker for your business or organization, contact Carol Johnson at 382-2881 or uwaytift@friendlycity.net.