United Way of Southwestern Oregon has raised $62,000 toward its 2008 goal of $200,000, according to a press release.

The campaign is an annual event to provide financing through local donations to more than 40 services provided by 19 nonprofit member agencies in Coos and Curry counties. Their missions include prevention of domestic abuse, food and shelter for hungry and homeless people, disaster relief for house fires and other catastrophes, and youth programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire USA, among others.

“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 volunteer Campaign Chairman Troy Woody.

Member agencies include the Women’s Safety & Resource Service, the Start Making a Reader Today program, T.H.E. House, The Salvation Army, South Coast District American Red Cross, Star of Hope, South Coast Hospice and SHAMA House.

The local United Way is asking local businesses, employee groups, professionals and other individuals to contribute to their effort. The charity has a 10- to 15-minute presentation detailing the program and how it helps in the community and would like to talk to service clubs, businesses, employee groups and others interested in learning more.

The program is run by a volunteer board of directors consisting of 24 local community leaders. Each year the board reviews community needs, finds agencies that meet those needs and distributes money raised in the campaign to those service agencies.

For more information, call 267-5202.