"Live United" drive kicks off

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The United Way of Hampshire County is kicking off its annual "Live United" drive.  United Way Organizers are confident they can raise $1.25 million this year as the money funds grants to partner agencies like the YMCA or the Amherst Family Center. 

United Way Executive Director James Ayres told 22News most of the donor dollars come from payroll deductions.  He says they have noticed a drop in dollar amounts, but many people are still donating. 

“The economy has been tough and while some people have been able to increase their giving, some have had to back that off.  Where we feel proud, is that those people staying with us, and even if they can give less than they do now, they are hanging in there and they are still giving,” said Ayres in Northampton on Thursday. 

Ayres says 40% of the money the United Way raises comes from people giving one to four dollars a week. 

The kick-off celebration will take place at the Courtyard Marriot in Hadley on Thursday.  This year’s volunteer campaign co-chairs are United Bank Manager Patty Vovalli and Petter Jessop, president of Integrity Development and Construction in Amherst.   

To find out how you can help, click here.