The United Way of West Central Mississippi officially wrapped up its 2017 campaign Wednesday and kicked off 2018.

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.

“Nationwide we have seen a decline in workplace campaigns. It is not just at the United Way of West Central Mississippi. It is really overall,” May said. “We have been seeing this coming for quite some time and we have been making adjustments. We have increased community involvement. There are not many places you go in Vicksburg where you don’t see a Live United t-shirt.

“The campaign dollar amount doesn’t represent what we do as a community. That is just workplace campaign. We plan to strengthen individual gifts this year and I really think the community will see changes in 2018.”

Wednesday’s meeting also served as the introduction of the United Way board for 2018. Tim Reeves will serve as board president replacing Lori Burke and Lynn Foley will serve as campaign chair.

“Many of our goals for 2018 are centered on our three areas of focus — education, health and financial stability,” Reeves said. “Everything from working with partner agencies on enhancing programs helping those who are homeless and transient, to the programs focused on financial literacy at every level of our community from elementary school to adult education will be discussed.”

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.