NATCHEZ &045;&045; A little more than halfway through the annual campaign United Way’s director says things are going well.

&uot;It’s very, very busy,&uot; Director Rhonda Stevens said. &uot;We are very excited, and it’s coming very well.&uot;

Since the organization is in the middle of its second follow-up with local businesses and campaigns, no amount-raised total has been calculated.

&uot;I wish I could say we had $400,000,&uot; Stevens said. &uot;We are hoping we can get $400,000.&uot;

Stevens said many businesses including Isle of Capri and the two school districts are just starting their in-house campaigns. Other businesses that would like to conduct a campaign or individuals who want to donate can call the United Way office.

Many companies encourage employees to sign pledge cards

for money that will later be deducted from their paychecks.

The campaign is scheduled to end in mid-November, though no firm date is set.

&uot;Time sneaks up on us very quickly,&uot; Stevens said. &uot;We’d like to be able to close the books in December, but if there is still money coming in, we’ll keep them open.&uot;

From the start of the campaign in mid-August until it ends, the United Way will hold a large marketing campaign on radio and television, Stevens said.

They will also be placing wooden thermometers around town to mark the progress of money raised toward the $400,000 goal.

Stevens said United Way takes memorials in memory of a loved one and those who donate can designate which agency their money goes to.

The United Way supports numerous non-profit organizations in the Miss-Lou from the Guardian Sexual Assault Center to the Red Cross to the Humane Society.