It is midway through the fundraising season for Atmore’s United Fund and the group is working diligently to reach this year’s goal of $60,000.

This year’s group got off to a good start in October with their second annual lock up event, which raised $24,000 in “bail” money for area residents who volunteered to spend the afternoon in jail for a good cause.

New United Fund President Michael Arnold said the total, as of December, had reached around $32,000, just over half way to the final goal.

“We’re still a little ways off of our goal,” Arnold said. “But we are going to continue making some last minute attempts so we can continue to help the organizations that need us.”

Arnold said the organization’s next fundraiser is a proposed “Boot Drive,” where members will collect donations at local intersections.

Arnold added other fundraising projects are in the works.

“Our next meeting is in February and we have asked the members to come up with some fundraising ideas,” Arnold said. “We just want to encourage people to be generous and think about the organizations that we’ll assist throughout the year.”

Arnold also said the United Fund is looking for new members after several long-time board members stepped down. Arnold said the board appreciates the years of service they provided, mentioning specifically Cathy McKinley and Lee Ann Allen.

“Our hats are off to Mrs. McKinley,” he said. “We’ll certainly miss Lee Ann too, but we’re looking forward to working with her in the future. We just really appreciate them for all of their years of service.

As new events are being planned, Arnold said tax-deductible donations may be sent to United Fund of Atmore P.O. Box 823Atmore, AL 36504.

The United Fund donates all proceeds to local organizations including: Goodwill Easter Seals, American Red Cross, GECA, Save a Life, Atmore Area Christian Care, Progressive Civic and Recreation Club, Council on Aging, HIPPY, Atmore Coop. Library, Atmore Public Library, Atmore Youth Football, girls softball and Concerned Citizens of Atmore.

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