United Fund has begun its 2014 drive to raise the goal of $80,000 in the Brewton and East Brewton area.

The group is already accepting donations to share with the 19 local organizations that receive the funds.

“Our goal this year is $80,000,” Kirk Garrett, chairman of the United Fund said. “We will be assisting 19 organizations this year. We are not limiting our focus to one particular group this year, as we intend to work with all of the local organizations to assist and/or provide services to individuals and families who live in Brewton and East Brewton. These local agencies and organizations reach a broad spectrum of the Brewton and East Brewton community. We encourage everyone to consider making a donation. The more community participation we have, regardless of the amount, the more assistance the United Fund will be able to provide within our community.”

Organizations include: The Brewton Area YMCA, American Red Cross, Girl Scouts-Deep South Chapter, Brewton Public Library, The Yancey Jernigan Foundation, Boy Scouts-Gulf Coast Council, East Brewton Youth Sports, Southwest Alabama Behavioral Health Care Systems, 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 Alabama, Strategies To Achieve Reading Success (S.T.A.R.S), Wheels of Wellness, Brewton Parks and Recreational Department, and the Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center.

The United Fund gives over 98 cents of every dollar it raises to the 19 member agencies.

“Fundraising started on Oct. 1 and will end Dec. 31,” Garrett said. “But we accept contributions all year.”

If you are interested in sending donations, please send them to: United Fund of Brewton and East Brewton, P.O. Box 34, Brewton, Alabama, 36427.

The money raised will go back to work in Brewton and East Brewton in the form of services for individuals and families who live in the Brewton and East Brewton area.