CLINTON - Don't tell the United Way that the country's economy is slowing down.

Denise Smith, executive director of United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, said this year's fundraising campaign for DeWitt County has been the most successful to date.

"We went about $5,000 over our goal," Smith said. "We always do well in DeWitt County and this year, we were extremely pleased with the generosity of the employers and residents."

Once the figures are tallied, Smith believes more than $50,000, or 113 percent of the original $45,000 goal, will be raised for 10 DeWitt County agencies. A local volunteer committee will meet to decide how much each of the agencies will receive. All of the money raised in DeWitt County will remain in DeWitt County and the money will be distributed in April or May.

"There are so many areas to point to as a reason for going over our goal," she said. "AmerGen had a big increase in their employee campaign, Baum Chevrolet Buick had a 50 percent increase in their corporate gift, and R.R. Donnelley was a new donor. Wal-Mart saw a 15 percent increase in their total and they also have a corporate match for employee giving.

There was a 21 percent increase from the City of Clinton employee campaign. DeWitt Savings Bank had a 400 percent increase from their employees, which is always accompanied by a generous corporate gift. Also, with the addition of Blue Ridge School District to the Clinton Community Schools total, we saw a 48 percent increase in those funds. In addition, State Farm brought a 32 percent increase to their employee campaign and a total increase from $7,800 to over $12,600."

In addition, several county residents contributed freely.

"We were very encouraged by the mail-in campaign as well," she added. "With the economy and the gas prices, you always have to worry about that aspect, but once again, the local citizens made significant contributions and we are grateful."

Smith said campaign volunteers deserve the credit.

"It's not just about raising money," she said, "but it's also about bringing the community together to mobilize resources and maximize results."

One of the recipients will be the Clinton Community YMCA, which had a 21 percent increase in donations from its employee campaign.

"I think it is good for our staff to give back to those who give to us," YMCA executive director Jann Martin said. "Our staff has a good grasp of that and they see the impact the funds from the United Way have on our organization. Without the United Way, we would struggle. So we appreciate their help and by giving back through their fundraising campaign, it shows how much we appreciate it."