The allocations committee of United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou will begin dividing roughly $305,000 worth of funds to 26 local charities Monday afternoon.

The United Way has reached 97 percent of its campaign goal, and expects to finish very close to the final goal of $315,000, said Nancy Webster, director of the local United Way.

&uot;We have $305,063 right now,&uot; Webster said Thursday.

With two campaigns left unfinished at Fruit of the Loom and Bell South, there is hope that United Way may yet reach their goal, she said.

Even as the local United Way is preparing to wrap up 1999’s campaign, they are preparing to launch the year 2000 campaign.

&uot;At the end of February, we’ll start the application process for 501 (c) (3) organizations,&uot; Webster said.

&uot;The agencies we fund are all extremely important,&uot; Webster said. &uot;New this year is the Sunshine Shelter for abused children.&uot;

Barbara Rodriguez, chairman of the allocation committee, said her committee will work hard to see that each charity receives a fair share of the money.

&uot;We really scrutinize each application,&uot; Rodriguez said.

&uot;We really take this job to heart and work hard to be fair,&uot; she said.

The allocation committee is comprised of 10-12 volunteers from the community who look at total pledges, funds raised through the annual golf scramble fund raiser, and money designated to particular charities on United Way pledge cards – and allocate funds to each of the 26 charities.