In the wake of the recession and high unemployment, many of the social service agencies that aid Decatur County residents are seeing increased demand for services, while experiencing cuts in funding from government and other sources.

United Way dollars help fill some of the gaps for the agencies it funds.

The 2011 fund drive began Sept. 1 and will run through Nov. 30, with a modest goal of $65,000 to be distributed among 14 agencies. They are BAIN Inc., CASA, Family Connection, Neighborhood Service Center, Friendship House, Halcyon Home, Laymen Brotherhood Outreach Center, LIFE, R.I.S.E., Salvation Army, Samaritan Counseling, SOWEGA Council on Aging, SOWEGA Regional Library, SOWEGA Youth Science and Technology Center.

These agencies touch the lives of many Decatur County citizens in one way or another.

The easiest and least painful way to contribute is through payroll deduction—a dollar or two a week or pay period. When pooled together it can go a long, long way.