Under the theme "Live United," the Kenai Peninsula United Way has kicked off its 2008 campaign.

"As a community we can do so much more than we ever could as an individual," said returning campaign chair Joe Gallagher.

"When you combine your individual efforts with the community and your neighbors, it multiplies and suddenly you've done great, great things," he said. "That's really the key to success of United Way. It's realizing that you're not acting on your own, you're acting on behalf, and as part of, the Kenai Peninsula."

Last year, United Way raised $835,000, well over its goal of $700,000.

"It's just incredible that a place the size of the peninsula can raise that kind of money," Gallagher said. "That's something to be proud of as a community."

This year Gallagher said United Way has set the target contribution goal at $750,000.

Also, three new agencies have been added to benefit from United Way. Love INC, Anchor Point Senior Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters now bring the list to 28 agencies that receive funds from United Way, which created a Kenai chapter in 1985.

"These 28 agencies touch on just about every aspect of life that you can possibly think of," Gallagher said.

After-school programs and family resource and crisis centers are just some of the resources available on the peninsula because of United Way funding.

"The dollars stay here on the peninsula," Gallagher said. "They help infants, kids, teenagers, families and our senior centers. It's a great effort. It does a lot of good."

United Way also will travel to every school within the district, adding 40 presentations to its schedule. Last year United Way visited more than 100 businesses to spread its message, said Tina Marie Herford, Kenai Peninsula United Way executive director.

"We're going to be pounding the pavement for the next six, seven weeks," she said. "I love this job," Herford said. "If it weren't for the generosity of our community, we would not be able to have the agencies that we do."

Mike Nesper can be reached at mike.nesper@peninsulaclarion.com.