United Way of Carbon County has set a campaign goal for 2012 of $65,000.

"We have budgeted $60,000 for allocations to Carbon County agency programs," said UW president Missy Binder during a Campaign Breakfast held at the Lehighton American Legion. She also made third period check distributions to member agencies.Binder added that the goal of the United Way of Carbon County is lower this year because the organization realizes that people are struggling with the economy. She said she feels the way to increase donations is to work with employee contributions. The board has plans to meet with several employers in the area.Binder said the United Way has an email address,

unitedwayofcarboncounty@yahoo.com and has been very busy organizing for the next year.During the breakfast she also introduced board members, Dr. Lisa Bleicher, vice president of campaign; and Donna Lennon, vice president of allocations. She also introduced Christine Liebold as the organization's new treasurer.Bleicher said that the United Way's, Cruise to the Music, did well. She also noted that the football kickoff cutout donor cards will not be used this year.Guest speaker Tanya Wehr, administrative director of the Schuylkill United Way, shared insight into how the Schuylkill County United Way works to help the local community. SUW is dedicated to providing funding, guidance and encouragement to the 15 partner agencies.She said the SUW has several areas of impact, helping children with disabilities, older adults, disaster and emergency relief, health and caring for people with physical challenges. The SUW has provided $23,663,182 to the community in the past 40 years.Wehr noted one of their favorite projects is filling bookbags with school supplies for 950 local needy children at the start of the school year.The 2011 Carbon County United Way member agencies are: American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, ARC for developmental disabilities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge, Carbon County Action Committee, Carbon Training Center, Diakon Lutheran Services, Human Resources Center, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pa., Girl Scouts of NE Pa., Methodist Services, North Penn Legal Services, Palmerton Meals on Wheels, Pathstone, Penn State Extension Prosper Project, Shepherd House, Salvation Army and Weatherly Institute of Robotics Engineers (WIRE).For information how to apply for United Way Funding or to support United Way, call 1-888-533-3904 or

unitedwayofcarboncounty@yahoo.com.In addition to Binder, Liebold, Bleicher and Lennon, board members are, Melinda Graver, vice president; Lore McLaughlin, secretary; Bernetta Frantz, vice president of agency liaison; Oscar Santizo, vice president of agency liaison, Human Resources Center; Sharon Ciminio; Angela Nardini and Sara Withers.