Wiregrass United Way's annual kickoff event was held at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Thursday.

The United Way set it's fundraising goal for next year: $2.6 million. That's more than the goal of more than $2.5 million dollars last year. Leaders hope raising more money this year will help partner agencies.

"We are really worried because their fundraising has been really hard," CEO of Wiregrass United Way Walter Hill says. "We are really fortunate because right now we are tracking pretty good, but obviously it could always be better."

Leaders say every little bit helps, from businesses to Hidden Lake Elementary School 3rd grader Jamesen Pylant. She sold Avon products last year and raised $400.

"I like to help other people in their conditions and I like to raise money for charity," Pylant says. "I do it a lot and it's really fun and encouraging for other people."

According to the Wiregrass United Way website, The Wiregrass Boys and Girls Club will receive the most allocated money in 2008, $154,000.

"Every cent that we invest into the community is change," says CEO of Wiregrass Boys and Girls Club Lance Wave. "And change multiplies. It changes the lives of people around us that we don't even know."

For more response from those affected by Wiregrass United Way please click the video link above.

The United Way also announced a partnership with the Wiregrass Foundation. If the Wiregrass United Way reaches its goal for the next three years, the Foundation will donate $400,000 to capital improvement projects for Wiregrass United Way partner agencies.

If you want to help Wiregrass United Way visit their website: http://www.wuw.org/