By Susan Redden

sredden@joplinglobe.com

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Leaders of the Carthage Area United Way boosted this year’s campaign fund-raising goal and expressed confidence Thursday that it would be reached.

The goal for the year is $310,000, said Nate Dally, campaign chairman, at a kickoff luncheon at Broadview Country Club. The event attracted about 100 people, including United Way officers and campaign volunteers. They were introduced as part of the program, along with representatives of the agencies that receive United Way support.

The event also was a first for Jenny Mansfield, recently named as executive director of the organization.

Dally said a difficult economy will make the help provided through this year’s campaign even more important to local agencies and the people they serve. Despite the economic downtown, he expressed confidence that the campaign will reach its goal.

“For people already in economic hardship, it has to be more difficult now,” he said. “But Carthage always steps up.”

Last year, when the campaign’s goal was $300,000, pledges totaled $334,509.

In addition to other fund-raising efforts, Dally said a number of Carthage retailers will have a collection program in which residents may give $1 to the United Way when they shop.

Agencies supported by the organization are Boy Scouts, Camp Quality, Cerebral Palsy of Tri-County, Girl Scouts, Jasper County 4-H, American Red Cross, Carthage Crosslines, Family Literacy Council, Lafayette House, Carthage Salvation Army, Citizens Advisory Board, Carthage Crisis Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Carthage Community Clinic and Special Olympics.

Starting in 2009, Big Brothers Big Sisters will start receiving support, Mansfield said.

Campaign report luncheons are set for noon on Oct. 2, Oct. 23 and Nov. 20 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 631 S. Garrison Ave.

Youngsters involved in United Way youth programs marked the start of the campaign later Thursday with a balloon launch at the Fair Acres Family Y. Mansfield said 75 children participated, and the rain stopped just long enough for the balloons to be released.