As one of the leading contributors to the annual United Way campaign, Martin Memorial Health Systems once again is embracing the call to help promote the common good.

Last year, Martin Memorial employees contributed $38,000 to United Way of Martin County, and their goal for this year is $40,000. During Martin Memorial’s four-week campaign, the giving was at $20,000, with two weeks to go.

"Like the United Way, Martin Memorial is in the business of caring for people,” said Miguel Coty, Martin Memorial Health Systems’ vice president of marketing communications. “Our associates know firsthand how significant the needs are for health and human services in our community. We are very excited for this year's campaign and look forward to helping our community care for each other."

One big driver for contributions to the United Way campaign this year is the chance to win a new car. Massey-Yardley Chrysler Dodge has donated a 2008 Dodge Avenger as the prize in the United Way Step Up Challenge. Anyone 18 or older making a new or increased gift of $52 a year (a dollar a week) to United Way can enter the drawing.

United Way of Martin County overall campaign goal for 2007-08 is $2.3 million.

Meeting – and exceeding that goal – is more important than ever. With people facing rising costs and unemployment, requests for emergency assistance are outpacing available resources. United Way agencies report that requests for food assistance are up 44% over last year, financial assistance by 38% and clothing by 20%.

For more information about United Way of Martin County, call (772) 283-4800 or visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.