The United Way of Greene County campaign for 2007 is within 5 percent of reaching its $760,000 goal, according to Wendy Peay, executive director.

Peay said Thursday that volunteers have raised a total of $724,000 in pledges, leaving a deficit of $36,000.

In December, United Way leaders announced at a campaign breakfast called an "Awards Celebration" that pledges had reached $670,048, leaving $89,952, or 12 percent to meet the goal.

The leaders also announced at that time that the campaign to benefit 24 community service agencies was being extended to January, but no report had been given since then.

Peay explained Thursday that she has been waiting on a portion of a pledge from one of United Way's largest donors, which could push the campaign over its goal.

Campaign Chairman Willie Anderson said Thursday that the citizens of Greene County have been very generous this year to United Way and many other charitable causes, including the Coal Fund and the drive to rebuild the burned Baileyton United Methodist Church.

This tremendous giving is a "true testimony" to the goodness of the people of Greene County, he said.

Anderson also noted that the goal for this year's campaign is $35,000 higher than last year's goal of $725,000.

He commended United Way volunteers for working hard toward this year's goal.

"I think they've done a remarkable job this year," he said.

Division leaders are: David Bailey, major gifts; Amy Harrison, individual gifts; Jack Lister, public service; Paige Metcalf, small business and Joy Rader, county.

Division totals raised to date are: major gifts, $514,322; individual gifts, $46,350; public service, $95,735; small business, $49,363; and county, $18,230.

Anderson added that those who choose to give to charities like United Way will receive blessings in return.

He said he hopes that next year more local companies will open their doors and allow United Way leaders to speak to their employees about the campaign.

Contributions to United Way of Greene County, Inc. provide funds to assist these community-service agencies:

American Red Cross Greene County Chapter, Asbury United Methodist Church Enrichment Program, Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville & Greene County, CASA of Northeast Tennessee, Child Advocacy Center, and CHIPs Family Violence Shelter;

Also, the Children Center's Scholarship Program, the Family Resource Center, Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council, Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries/Food Bank and Opportunity House;

Also, Greene County Cancer Program, the Greeneville Emergency & Rescue Squad, CONTACT Ministries, Family Support Services, and Frontier Health; the Literacy Council, and Mountain Region Speech and Hearing,

Also, Sequoyah Council of Boy Scouts of America, Tennessee Poison Center, Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, the YMCA Scholarship Program and Arthritis Aquatic Program, Foster Grandparents, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).