Two key Hanover County officials are spearheading the Local Government and Schools (LGS) division for the United Way of Richmond & Petersburg’s 2009 campaign.

County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. and Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, have accepted the responsibility that finds Hanover County in that role every four years. It is a tradition that the county administrator and school superintendent co-chair the regional United Way effort.

The campaign kicked off on Sept. 18, but a specific goal has not been set. Jennifer Fletcher, speaking on behalf of the United Way, said the organization wants to “maintain or exceed where we’ve been.” Last year’s goal of $20 million came in just under at $17 million.

In their letter to “fellow local government and school employees,” Harris and Roberson, who also joined forces as co-chairmen in 2005, said “Much has changed since we last led the LGS campaign in 2005, but what has not changed is our commitment to United Way and our community.”

With a campaign message of “Live United,” the two said “it’s the idea that we are all connected and that our community is stronger when all of us have the opportunity for a good life. Each of us has the power to provide opportunities for positive change and together we have tremendous impact. Through United Way, we are brought together for a common purpose.”

Through the United Way, residents are able to “combine our philanthropic dollars and invest in the very best programs that improve individual lives and our region as a whole. By focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life – United Way creates opportunities for all, especially those who are struggling.”

Recognizing the efforts “made by all of our colleagues to make their United Way donations, especially in tough times, Harris and Roberson said that “there has never been a more meaningful time to consider making a gift.” They said donations can be directed to “your organization(s) of choice.”

With the payroll reduction plan, contributions can be spread out over 12 months, with payments for the 2009 pledge beginning in January 2010.

“In the education profession,,” Roberson said, “we can point to a few community-wide efforts which truly connect our important work with the noble and essential work of many other leading public service providers. Among these efforts, United Way is the primary organization which singularly positions itself, and therefore all of us, in a way which enables us to Live United successfully. 

He said it was “an honor to give my personal and professional energies and resources to United Way-led campaigns because of the clear track record and positive results we achieve for the people we support, serve, and lead.”

Harris called serving with Roberson “a tremendous honor.” He also said “The United Way plays a critical role in assisting organizations in carrying out the missions of the non-profit agencies. These organizations provide critical assistance to our citizens especially in these very trying times. I hope everyone will help us in supporting the United Way this year.”

Agencies that benefit from the United Way include the American Red Cross (Greater Richmond and Southside Area chapters), Big Brothers Big Sisters Services, Boy Scouts Heart of Virginia Council, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, Children’s Home Society of Virginia, Girl Scouts Commonwealth Council of Virginia, Goodwill of Central Virginia, Hanover Adult Center, Hanover Arc, Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia (Feedmore Inc.), Salvation Army (Richmond and Southside), and YMCA (Greater Richmond and Richmond).