The United Way of Freeborn County has set its goal at $661,000 and will will kick off its annual fall campaign Thursday in an effort to that figure for the sake of its partner agencies.

Local United Way Director Ann Austin said the kickoff will be at noon Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and will include a luncheon and presentations from Group Support Services and the Action Club.

Volunteers, partner agencies, donors and other community members are welcome to attend. Austin asked that anyone planning to attend the event RSVP to the United Way office.

She said the 2011 goal is up from $650,000 in 2010 because of several agencies that submitted greater requests. The organization has until the end of the year to reach the goal.

She noted one organization raised its request by as much as $30,000.

United Way funds go to support 19 partner agencies that are responsible for 33 programs.

“We have a lot of really valuable programs in this community that we’re very lucky to have,” Austin said.

To help create a successful campaign, she noted that United Way advocates are hoping to take their message to businesses they have not been getting into as much and sharing the message of the United Way and its programs.

“We want to get more information to the people,” Austin said.

They hope to encourage an increase in volunteering throughout the community as well.