The United Way of the Midlands-Edisto Council kicked off its 2007 fund-raising campaign Friday with the announcement that eight companies have helped it reach 42 percent of its goal.

The United Way hopes to raise $200,000 by the end of November to assist its 14 member agencies in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

"We're so proud today to announce we are at 42 percent of our goal. ... We had wonderful pacesetters this year," said Debra Smith, Edisto Council account manager.

The United Way raised $175,000 last year, far short of its $250,000 goal, but still 27 percent above what it raised the year before. Agencies that receive the funding say the money is critical to their mission.

"It is so important because it helps us with computers and it helps us with funds to extend the program to more schools," said Liz Zimmerman Keitt, founder and director of Project Life: Positeen. The organization provides character building and tutoring services to youth, as well as exposure to life outside Orangeburg.

"Ever since we started, we've been with the United Way. We get almost $10,000 a year from the United Way. We really appreciate that," she said.

And the donors to the United Way appreciate its work, too.

"They help the Red Cross, the Council on Aging -- a lot of worthy groups. A lot of worthy groups would not be able to exist if not for the United Way and their help," said Tim Maybank, Orangeburg County's senior deputy administrator. County employees have been some of the top donors to the United Way.

"I think the people believe in the work they are doing and the help they give to the community," Maybank said.

Friday was also the United Way's Day of Caring in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, with 142 people offering their services to agencies in the area.

Tamra Davis, a loaned executive from Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, came down from Columbia to volunteer with the County Council on Aging. She and others played bingo with the seniors, and helped prepare and deliver meals.

Friday's kickoff was part update, part pep rally, featuring the S.C. State University Drumline, the Claflin University 1869 Jubilee Quartet, former S.C. State Coach Willie Jeffries and WIS-TV anchor Craig Melvin.

"We have a lot of needs in the county. We have a lot of great organizations the United Way tries to help," Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller said.

Eight businesses have already stepped up to the plate as "pacesetters" for the campaign. The businesses, and the amount raised, are: Albemarle, $21,427; Carpenter Technology, $7,050; City of Orangeburg, $5,567; Community Resource Bank, $5,270; Orangeburg County, $9,400; Cox Wood Preserving, $16,802; SCANA, $10,602 and SCB&T, $6,886.

United Way Loaned Executive Dr. Howard Hill said the agency hopes to raise the money early, by the first week in October.

"We can do it, we can do it, we can do it!" he told the crowd.

Agencies receiving support from the United Way include Project Life: Positeen, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts-Indian Waters Council, Orangeburg County Disabilities and Special Needs, Calhoun County First S.jpg, Girl Scouts-Carolina Low Country, Greater Santee Literacy Council, Orangeburg Boys and Girls Club, Orangeburg Adult Literacy Council, Orangeburg Council on Aging, Salvation Army, Sunlight Club, Samaritan House and Edisto Habitat for Humanity.

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