United Way of Southwestern Oregon is more than 25 percent of the way toward this year’s fundraising goal.

The organization, which conducts a consolidated annual fund drive for a variety of local charities, has raised $62,000 towards its

$200,000 goal, according to agency officials.

“The important thing to consider is that money we are raising here stays here, and will be used to fund a wide variety of local nonprofit

human service agencies,” said Troy Woody, the volunteer campaign chairman.

The annual campaign channels local contributions to more than 40 services provided by the agency's 19 non-profit member agencies. Services include prevention of domestic abuse, food and shelter for the hungry and homeless, local disaster relief for house fires and other catastrophes, and youth programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire USA.

“Your one United Way donation helps in a lot of different ways locally. I know we all get asked to contribute by a lot of different worthy causes, but United Way gives you a chance to help over 40 different services with your one donation,” Woody said. “It's a very

effective way to help your community in a meaningful way.”

Member agencies include the Women's Safety & Resource Service, the SMART Program (Start Making a Reader Today),

T.H.E. House, The Salvation Army, South Coast District American Red Cross, Star of Hope, South Coast Hospice and SHAMA House.

United Way offers local businesses and organizations a 10- to 15-minute presentation, detailing how the organization helps in the community.

For more information, to schedule a presentation, to donate or to volunteer, contact United Way at: United Way of Southwestern Oregon, 320 Central Avenue, Room 226, PO Box 1288, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420; 267-5202.