At Wednesday’s annual meeting, the United Way of West Central Mississippi announced that the 2017 campaign raised $717,507, which was down from the $861,148 raised in 2016.

That number represents the amount of money raised through workplace campaigns where people have money donated to United Way out of their paychecks, United Way director of marketing Kami May said.

The United Way supports 19 partner agencies including the YMCA, Grace Christian Counseling Center and Good Shepherd Community Center. In 2017, the United Way also distributed 3,600 books to local children, helped raise $10,000 for hurricane flood relief and more.

The impact the United Way has on the city of Vicksburg is incredible. From helping families in need to supporting victims of domestic violence and promoting literacy for children, many of the support services in Vicksburg would not be possible without the United Way.

May said, “I really think the community will see changes in 2018,” as they focus on increasing individual donations to help them meet the ever growing needs present in Vicksburg and Warren County.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the United Way worked to introduce the community to the faces of the people being impacted through a series of videos highlighting people who received help through the partner agencies.

“What does your donation do for our community? Who are the faces of your donation? These are very important questions that I want to be able to answer for you today,” executive director Michele Connelly said. “There must be statistical proof to support our success, but there also needs to be the face you see when you close your eyes at the end of the day.”

Whether it is a one-time donation or a monthly allotment, helping the United Way in any way will have a lasting impact on some of the most vulnerable people in the community.