By Joe Ragusa

NORMAL – The United Way of McLean County is aiming to increase the amount they spend in the community this year.

“Our huge need and our 80th anniversary has led us to a goal of an eight percent increase in giving money to this community from last year,” fundraising campaign co-chairman Scott Preston said Thursday during the United Way’s Community campaign kickoff.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott Laughlin’s interview with Scott Preston and Sonja Reece here.

Preston said the United Way plans to use social media more this year, with the hashtag #Live80Give8, in honor of the charity’s 80th anniversary in McLean County.

Fundraising co-chair Sonja Reece said the United Way’s services are needed now more than ever.

“We cannot rely on the federal and, we know, state (government) at this point. We need to take care of ourselves,” Reece said. “It’s our family, it’s our neighbors. Family and friends is what it’s all about.”

Last year’s campaign raised $4.2 million, which was six percent more than the 2013 campaign. In order to meet this year’s goal, the United Way of McLean County has to raise an additional $300,000 this year.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].