The annual fundraising campaign of United Way of Butler County remains one of the barometers for judging the health of the local economy.

And, with the state and nation having gone through economic turmoil over the past 12 months, people who have followed the fortunes and challenges of the united giving agency no doubt will pay special attention to the progress of the current campaign over the next few months.

Based on Westinghouse Electric's arrival in Cranberry Township, United Way upped this year's original $1.3 million campaign goal by $100,000. However, the new goal of $1.4 million remains $100,000 shy of the $1.5 million goal of the past four years that the agency was not able to attain.

With Butler County faring better economically than many other area counties, it is reasonable to view even a $3 million campaign goal as achievable if a majority of those capable of giving even a small amount joined in the effort. But for whatever reason, even a $2 million United Way target has remained far beyond reach in this county.

Unless something changes dramatically, $3 million might be out of United Way's reach for many years — if it ever is attainable.

It's true that higher-paying jobs such as those at Westinghouse, AK Steel and in the teaching profession are by no means universal in this county. Many people here are hard-pressed to make ends meet.

Still, United Way's worthy mission of supporting nearly two dozen nonprofit agencies goes on. And, the great work that those agencies do and the many thousands of residents who are helped by them each year requires that the community continue to support this umbrella organization as much as possible.

Meanwhile, United Way must remain focused on agressive and expanded fundraising efforts. United Way must seek out all possible sources of funds, especially those that in the past haven't been United Way contributors, and not expect those sources to come to United Way.

While it might be impossible for United Way to tap all of the potential resources available with its limited staff and the limited volunteer help that's available, the agency must be geared constantly toward shortening the list of previously untapped sources of funds — not only at campaign time but throughout the year.

United Way's mission is as much an education effort as it is a money-raising initiative.

"The United Way is the voice that speaks for our community," said Vic Rozic, this year's campaign chairman. "It is the only nonprofit that brings together all facets of the community — businesses, human services, government and education — to collaboratively solve problems and provide a vehicle to touch every person who lives and works in Butler County."

But without a substantial fundraising increase over what has been collected in recent years, the benefits to those needing services that United Way helps fund will remain what can be described as stagnant.

Already United Way has said that even if $1.4 million is raised this year, there still will be no funding increases for its 23 member agencies over what they received during the past year.

Accompanying an article about the United Way campaign in Sunday's edition of the Butler Eagle was a list of ways people can contribute to the campaign.

People can mail contributions to United Way of Butler County, 184 Pittsburgh Road, Butler, PA 16001 or contribute by calling the toll-free number 1-877-605-2260, Ext. 226.

In addition, contributions can be made via the Internet at www.butlerunitedway.org. People using that option should click on "Donate" on the left side of the page.

Of course, the traditional method of United Way giving through a workplace campaign is still a popular choice for many people.

National indicators suggest that the recession has bottomed out and that the economy is on the upswing — although not for many of the people United Way serves.

For those agencies and the people who depend on United Way, it would be encouraging to see the current fundraising campaign provide proof that the times are indeed returning to normal.

Upcoming months will be the judge of that.