The United Way of Freeborn County is nearing its 2014 campaign goal with less than a week to go until the end of the year.

As of Tuesday, the organization had raised almost $506,000 out of its $566,000 goal.

Executive Director Ann Austin said in the next week she will follow up on some of the residential donations, and they are still awaiting a few corporate gifts as well.

“I think we’ll get close or we’ll make it,” Austin said.

She said several companies have had the best years for donations they have ever had, and she thanked those people who stepped up their giving.

Funding will cover 26 programs plus an estimated $129,000 in operating expenses.

Agencies that applied for funding were Adult Basic Education, Albert Lea Family Y, Arc of Freeborn County, Catholic Charities, Cedar Valley Services, The Children’s Center, Crime Victims Crisis Center, Crisis Response Team, Group Support Services, Healthy Families, Parenting Resource Center, Semcac and Senior Resources.

Austin said in the last year she has seen a greater focus on the community and people who are wanting to give back in many ways.

“That has been really encouraging,” she said. “It’s been a really, really good year.”

In 2013 the United Way raised $550,000.

She said new in 2015 the organization will have a basic needs fund that nonprofits can apply to for covering services given during disasters such as fires.