United Way of Clallam County is busy preparing for the 2009 fundraising campaign, led by Jack Marshall, landscape consultant at Blake Sand & Gravel, and Pam Marshall, administrator at Peninsula Children's Clinic.

United Way helps the community by researching significant community needs and bringing resources and people together to solve tough local issues. United Way works with business, government and partner agencies to develop and fund programs that meet people's needs today and create solutions for lasting change. The annual fund drive helps support this year-round work.

United Way has a number of community solution programs - including the Clallam County Literacy Council, the Access to Health Care Coalition and the 2-1-1 Help Line; and partners with 27 different health and human service agencies. Funds raised during the annual campaign support these efforts to create a healthier Clallam County.

The Sequim division of the campaign will be led by Sharon DelaBarre of DelaBarre and Associates. She has a team of volunteers working with her including Karen Goschen, for the city of Sequim employee campaign; Superintendant Bill Bentley and Annette Hanson, for the Sequim School District; Georgia Gale of US Bank, who will work with the banks and financial planners; Linda Ulin, working with real estate agents; Ron Bell, working with attorneys; Billy and Mary Nagler from the Oak Table Cafe, working with restaurants; and Sandy Betz, a community volunteer, working with Sequim businesses on their employee campaigns.

The campaign cabinet identified the theme for this year, "Live United ... Now More Than Ever" and set a very challenging goal of $1,100,000.

Last year, in the midst of one of the worst economic years ever, United Way of Clallam County raised more than $1,110,000.

For information about getting involved in the annual fund drive or to make a donation, call the United Way offices at 457-3011.