United Way campaign underway

The United Way of Monterey County is underway. After surpassing its $3.5 million goal during the previous campaign despite the general economic malaise, the United Way board said it will be shooting for the same goal this year. United Way is an umbrella fundraising agency for a host of nonprofit groups in Monterey County. A key element in the fund raising campaign is donations by county residents who give through their employers and have their contributions deducted from their paychecks. Last year, the agency started the 211 service, a referral service people in crisis can access by dialing 211 on their telephone.