By Lydia Grimes
news reporter

United Fund of Brewton and East Brewton supports 19 area agencies with local funds — reaching everyone from children to seniors.
The organization kicked off its annual campaign Oct. 1, with a goal of $80,000 to be spread among organizations across the community. Ninety-nine percent of the money raised here goes to those agencies.
“Many businesses and individuals have traditionally supported the United Fund of Brewton and East Brewton, and we expect them to do so again this year,” United Fund board President Mark Manning said. “However, as member agencies have expanded their scope of services, and as the economy has slowed, requests for funding have risen. This year’s goal is $80,000, and we are seeking help to reach our goal.”
The agencies to receive money from the United Fund are the Brewton Area YMCA; American Red Cross-East Escambia County Chapter; Girl Scouts, Deep South Council; Brewton Public Library; Brewton Parks and Recreation Department; Escambia County Mental Health Association, Boy Scouts, Gulf Coast Council; East Brewton Youth Sports; Southwest Alabama Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board; Escambia County Cooperative Library System; Alabama Cooperative Extension System; Disabled Children and Adults, Brewton Chapter; Hope Place Family Resource; Christian Community Benevolent Fund; Reach Out and Read; S.T.A.R.S.; Wheels of Wellness; Escambia County Community Enabled Inc. and Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center.
“We are asking for donations to this year’s campaign,” Manning said. “Any amount will be appreciated, and it can have the flexibility to direct the donation to one particular agency or make a contribution to the general fund that will be split among all the agencies.”
There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. at The Ritz in downtown Brewton for representatives from each United Fund agency.