Volunteers have been busy working out how to stretch United Way's limited dollars to give to its partners and continue to further its "Live United mission: To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the people of Grayson County.

Volunteers are faced with the problem of United Way's partners seeking more than $1.7 million in funding and having $958,000 to give, United Way said in a press release Friday. Although the nation's economic problems have not hit Grayson County as hard as they have in many places across the country, partner agencies have seen an increasing number of local people seeking help.

Like many non-profits across the country, United Way is experiencing a decline in collections, just as its partner agencies are experiencing more need. Layoffs and plant closings are making this worse. "United Way has always had a percentage of money not collected; however, this year it is higher," said Velma Starks, finance administrator for United Way of Grayson County."

Although the collections are down, United Way and the agencies are very thankful for the generosity of this community. "People here are giving and when called upon, Grayson County steps up to any challenge," said a campaign volunteer, a United Way press release states.

"We are very thankful to the community for their support and the volunteers that spent hours upon hours of time raising funds and then putting the money where it is needed most. It's truly a community driven process," said David Cortinas, executive director. "We are thankful for every single donor that is giving a little to help their neighbor."

The funding cycle is for two years and will begin in July.