Without the support of local businesses, United Way wouldn’t be able to serve the community.

That’s the message Executive Director Sally Love wants the public to hear.

Beaufort County United Way funds more than 15 different agencies, which serve the community in areas of health, education and family stability/income. The nonprofit holds a campaign each year, and it recently wrapped up its 2016-17 campaign, according to Love.

Love said United Way doesn’t announce monetary totals, but she did say the 2016-17 campaign helped around 21,000 people. A large portion of the donations goes toward emergency/disaster services, according to Love.

“We don’t announce goals anymore because we’re more into helping people,” Love said. “We take our money, and we split it among the partners.”

By far the largest contributor to the 2016-17 campaign was PotashCorp, which donated more than $179,000. For every dollar an employee donates to the United Way cause, the corporation will match that donation, doubling the return.

In 2016-17, 89 percent of PotashCorp employees participated in the campaign. Over the past 10 years, this particular partnership has garnered more than $2 million for United Way to provide to area agencies, according to a press release.

“The United Way makes a difference in Beaufort County, and our employees have always given generously in support. With the company match, we’re able to double the impact of charitable giving from the site,” said Ray McKeithan, manager of public and governmental affairs at PotashCorp-Aurora. “Our workforce will continue to support worthwhile causes and organizations. It’s one of our core values.”

Love said PotashCorp’s contribution, along with others’ support, is critical to Beaufort County.

“It’s really important for the agencies to have those funds,” she said. “Without them, we’d be pretty much out of business.”

Although PotashCorp gave the largest amount monetarily, Love said she is thankful for all individuals and businesses that support United Way. No donation goes unnoticed, no matter the size of it.

“We’re very blessed to have this community support we have with the companies that we do,” Love said.

Beaufort County United Way has already kicked off its 2017-18 campaign. For information on how to get involved, call 252-975-6209, or visit www.unitedwaybc.net.