Chilton County United Way announced its annual goal on Thursday at a Kick-Off Celebration, after recognizing various agencies who help the organization.

“Today is a day for us to say thank you to everyone who has helped United Way,” United Way Executive Director Shelly Mims said. “We wanted to use this day to let people see how we serve the community, and let people know more about who we are and what we do.”

The event, which was held at Alabama Power’s Conference Center in Clanton, began with an invocation, pledge, recognition of United Way’s Board members and staff, and performances by Blast from the Past.

Many agencies supported by United Way were represented at the event, including: Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, Chilton-Shelby Mental Health, Chilton County YMCA, Habitat for Humanity of Autauga and Chilton counties, Chilton County Board of Education, SPAN of Chilton County, Raleigh’s Place, Kelsey’s Place, American Red Cross, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, CareNet, Family Sunshine Center, 4-H Program, Easter Seals West Central Alabama Rehab, Easter Seals of Birmingham, Pediatric Rehab, Chilton County Board of Education school supplies, Chilton County Department of Human Resources, Operation Santa Claus, Toys for Kids (Maplesville, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, and the Humane Society of Chilton County.

United Way Chairman Yolanda Boggs told those in attendance about how United Way first started in 1887 as a “United Campaign.”

“United Way is now in more than 40 countries worldwide,” Boggs said. “The organization brings people together from all walks of life. It brings the community together.”

One of the guest speakers was Elizabeth “Liz” Blackmon who talked about her experience using Kelsey’s Place to help locate a job.

Kelsey’s Place is one of the organizations funded by United Way.

“Kelsey’s Place was able to help me make a resume, and know how to communicate in an interview,” Blackmon said.

Alisha Coleman also spoke on behalf of 2-1-1, an organization that helps individuals every hour connect with essential human services including training, employment, food pantries, help for an aging parent, addition prevention programs for their teenage children, affordable housing options, support groups and ways of becoming part of their community.

Coleman encouraged those in attendance to utilize the service and for the various agencies to become involved in the database.

The 2016 fundraising goal was also announced during the meeting: $170,000.

“We need everyone’s help,” Chilton County Probate Judge Bobby Martin said. “This is something we need to see happen.”

Anyone interested in learning more about United Way should contact Mims at (205) 755-5875.

Lunch was provided by Hickory Chip, Dari Delite, The Store/Wadsworth Oil, Winn Dixie, Merchant’s Foodservice, Pies B&K BBQ, Regions Bank, Main Street Café, Alabama Power, and CCUW board members.