The Butler County United Fund has kicked off its 2006-07 fundraising efforts and has raised a little over $10,000.

Over 25 agencies and organizations are set to benefit from the $55,000 goal the United Fund has set this year.

&#8220This is a joint effort where we work together and are effective in doing good for our local people,” said United Fund President Ronnie Paulk. &#8220It’s really our way to help people who are not as fortunate as we are. It helps both the youth and the elderly in our county.”

The Butler County United Fund was started after World War II by a group of civic-minded individuals who wanted to do something good for charitable organizations inside the county.

Paulk said many businesses that contribute to the United Fund offer their employees the opportunity to deduct their donations – be it weekly, monthly, or annually – from their payroll checks.

Funds raised by the United Fund are allocated in a meeting during the spring, said Paulk.

We encourage all businesses and individuals to take part in this year's United Fund fundraising efforts.

The following agencies will receive financial support from the United Fund of Butler County: YMCA, Safe Harbor, South Butler Volunteer Rescue, Butler Activity and Training Center, Red Cross, Girl and Boy Scouts, Georgiana Youth Activities, McKenzie Youth Activities, 4-H Club, Underprivileged Children’s Emergency Fund, Goodwill Industries, Greenville Recreation/Dunbar, Food Bank, Greenville-Butler County Public Library, Family Medical/Foster Children, Children’s Music Enrichment Program, Children’s Depot, Butler County Boys and Girls Club, Butler County Foster Parent Fund, Healthy Kids, Rock West Outreach Food Program, and Every Child Deserves A Chance.