United Way executive director Melinda Tidwell said the goal could be met within the next week. She says if donations exceed the goal, the extra money will be divided among the 61 health and human services agencies the United Way supports throughout Lee, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tishomingo and Union counties. The agencies include food pantries, the Good Samaritan Free Clinic and the Salvation Army.

Much of the United Ways money is raised through payroll deductions from employees.