In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit, Amy Haygood had been volunteering for United Way of West Central Mississippi for 15 years. The organization to which she had given so much returned the favor when more than a dozen family members from the Mississippi Gulf Coast came to live with her for three months.

Now she’s leading the charge to make sure others are able to receive the help she did.

Haygood, a 42-year-old vice president of Trustmark Bank, has been chosen to chair the 2012 campaign for United Way with a goal of $1,480,000 in mind, a goal that is $80,000 more than in 2011.

“All those years I gave to United Way I never thought I’d be on the receiving end,” Haygood said. “I’m thankful that I saw the other side of it, and I don’t think people realize the money goes right here in their own community.”

The campaign will kick off on July 2 for Pacesetters, a group of 18 local businesses that give the campaign a head start, and run through Oct. 31.

The theme for the campaign is Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

“We just want to get the energy and life back into fundraising,” Haygood said. “This community has proven that it can come together, and we can make this happen.”

The 2011 campaign goal was $1.4 million, and the organization exceeded that goal by nearly $10,000. Two people led the campaign last year, Linda Fondren and J.R. Armstrong. Haygood is the only chairman chosen this year.

“It really just depends on the time the volunteer has,” said Barbara Tolliver, executive director of United Way of West Central Mississippi. “Last year neither could accept the role by themselves, but Amy has more time.”

Tolliver said she’s looking forward to the start of the campaign, and she’s excited about Haygood’s plans.

“She’s so energetic and pumped up,” Tolliver said. “We’ve forgotten along the way that volunteers enjoy fun, and she’s bringing back the laughter and fun that’s been missing.”

Tolliver added that the money raised in the campaign will go to 23 agencies in West Central Mississippi, 19 of which are in Vicksburg.

“We know it’s tough, but we pride ourselves on honoring donors’ wishes, and we like to tell people that 99 cents of every dollar they give to United Way stays right here,” Tolliver said. “We’re taking care of our own right here in West Central Mississippi.”

Haygood echoed Tolliver, saying she’s thankful United Way was there to take care of her and her family.

“Your dollar makes a huge difference to someone, it did for me,” Haygood said. “Times are hard, and this can either be a time to stop giving or step up. I think it’s a time to step up.”

Haygood will lead 13 people working in 10 divisions to reach the goal this year.

“I’m honored to have been chosen as chair,” Haygood said. “I’m so excited, we’ve got a great team with so much energy. I’m most excited about working with such a great group of people.”

The United Way of West Central Mississippi was founded in 1953 and has 23 member agencies to which funds are distributed.

• American Red Cross

• Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta

• Boy Scouts

• Cary Christian Center

• Central Mississippi Prevention Services

• Christian Volunteer Service

• Community Council

• Girl Scouts

• Good Shepherd Community Center

• Grace Christian Counseling Center

• Haven House

• HIV Services Inc.

• Magnolia Speech School

• MIDD-West

• Mountain of Faith Ministries

• The Salvation Army

• Vicksburg Child and Parent Center

• Vicksburg Family Development

• Warren County Children’s Shelter

• Warren County Habitat for Humanity

• Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service

• We Care Community Services

• YMCA