While the nation is still in the grip of an ailing economy, local businesses and industry continue to raise money for the 2009-2010 United Way fundraising campaign to give back to the community.

With only a month left in the United Way of Mid- and South Jefferson County’s 2009-2010 fundraising campaign, organizations are seeking ways to meet goals and ensure the community is receiving financial assistance to undo the grip of the troubled economy.

As a result of employee donations and corporate matches, Valero was able to meet its goal of $495,000 and Total Petrochemicals of Port Arthur raised $149,467, exceeding its goal of $90,000.

Thanks to these two industries and others, United Way is steadily creeping toward its ultimate goal of $1.1 million, Carol Hebert, executive director of United Way of Mid- and South Jefferson County, said.

“I think businesses that are hosting the campaigns realize the need for services that go through United Way donations and encourage employees to give, because ultimately it’s in hard economic times that people have the greatest need,” Hebert said.

In an effort to strengthen families, promote health, wellness and assist individuals to achieve financial stability, United Way contributes to agencies that serve more than 92,000 individuals involved in organizations such as Port Arthur YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, the Hughen Center and Southeast Texas Hospice.

“It seemed like, because of the economy, people were in more of a generous mood to try to help out others,” Michelle Hammond, chairperson for Total refinery in Port Arthur, said. “All of the employees gave donations and then the company was able to match us.”

Based on current pledges, Hebert said United Way is short $200,000 but members are still optimistic that companies will continue to put forth the effort to raise enough money in support of the community.

“We still have campaigns in progress,” Hebert said. “There are still campaigns that haven’t started yet, so we still have possibilities and we are optimistic that they will meet goals even with the economy as it is,” Hebert said. “Southeast Texans have been very generous to United Way even until now, so even if we don’t meet that exact target goal, just knowing that businesses did their best to provide for the community is just as good.”

Those who are interested in donating to United Way can contact United Way at (409) 729-4040.

rbrown@panews.com