MARQUETTE COUNTY -- The United Way of Marquette County has officially kicked off its 2010-2011 campaign.

Last year the United Way Campaign touched over 9,000 lives in Marquette County.  The non-profit works by using your donations to help different areas of need in our community, including our local youth.

Each year the YMCA of Marquette County receives around $15,000 in donations from the local United Way.  That money goes towards programs like the YMCA's Lake Superior Village After School Program, as well as art classes, gym memberships, and the use of their facilities--all programs that keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

The YMCA's Executive Director, Lisa Coombs-Gerou, explains how the funding makes our entire community a better, safer place.

"The programs that we operate locally that are funded through the United Way help a lot of at risk kids who would not have an opportunity to participate otherwise, who would be on the streets. Our crime rates would probably be a lot higher for juveniles," says Coombs-Gerou.

Although the campaign just started, United Way volunteers are already working to reach their 2010-2011 goal of $450,000.  That may sound like a lot, but the organization feels confident they can do it.

"I know we can do it with the renewed enthusiasm and the additional employers we have involved with their workplace campaigns and the additional participation we have for volunteers.  This makes the atmosphere feel really good," says United Way Co-Chair Rob Jamros.

The campaign says that every bit helps.  If you can't donate money to the United Way, you can volunteer your time.

To learn more about how you can volunteer or donate to the United Way, please visit their Website, www.uwmqt.org.