In an effort to promote community involvement and educate thepublic about local beneficial agencies, Wal-Mart Supercenter ishosting a United Way Fair Saturday.

The fair, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the store, is aneffort by the business to educate the community about the UnitedWay of Lincoln County and the agencies it supports.

“Basically, we want to show the people where the money goes whenthey donate to United Way,” said Darlene Morgan, who is heading upthe event for the store.

Residents of Lincoln County can learn about the agencies UnitedWay supports by visiting with representatives from those agenciesSaturday.

“Some of the agencies will be on hand to explain what United Waydoes for them,” added Morgan.

Those agencies include the American Red Cross, SouthwestMississippi Mental Health Center, Brookhaven Recreation Department,Brookhaven Food Pantry, Boswell Regional Center, Habitat forHumanity of Lincoln County, Outreach Ministries and Boy Scouts ofAmerica.

Donations from United Way’s annual fundraising drive, held everyOctober, are given to local agencies that need extra support.

“We interview the agencies that are requesting donations, thenwe decide where the funds will go in Lincoln County,” said DanitaHobbs, president of United Way of Lincoln County.

Wal-Mart associates thought the fair would help upcomingfundraising efforts, while also giving Lincoln County residents arewarding feeling about how the donations benefit thecommunity.

Many Wal-Mart associates believe the fair will be educationalfor them as well, because 70 percent of the associates donate toUnited Way of Lincoln County, said Morgan.

She explained how the store uses a payroll deduction plan fordonations, and Wal-Mart matches the associates’ donations.Associates say it is easier to donate to an organization if thereis evidence of how the money is being used.

Lincoln County residents will be able to see that about 98percent of donated funds go to local agencies, which have asignificant impact on the community.

Wal-Mart associates hope Lincoln County residents will showtheir support for the United Way and the community by dropping bythe fair Saturday.

“We hope that everybody will come out and support it,” saidMorgan.

Hot dogs and cokes will also be sold during the event. Fundsfrom the event will go to the United Way of Lincoln County.