Morgan County residents have either pledged or made cash gifts totaling $1.2 million to the 2013 United Way Campaign, according to George Pollit, executive director.

“We’ve made progress but still have a long way to go to reach our $2 million goal,” Pollit said. “We’ll carry the campaign into January of next year and I believe we still have a good shot of either making goal or exceeding the $1.76 million we raised last year.”

“Some of our larger corporate donors have not yet made reports,” he added.

Pollit singled out Emerson Corp. for a gift of $33,000 even though its former CR Compressors plant is no long operating in Hartselle. He also thanked Cerro Wire of Hartselle and its employees for contributing $32,000 to the drive.

“A struggling economy has probably had a negative impact on this year’s campaign,” Pollit stated. “Another contributing factor is all of the attention the presidential and the General Election received. “But we’re still very thankful for every donation we’ve received and assure our contributors that the money will be put to a good use.”

Morgan County United Way provides assistance to 28 participating agencies.

“Most of them are struggling because federal funds have been cut,” Pollit pointed out. “They’ll depend on what they receive from the United Way to keep their doors open.”