With confetti flying into the air, the United Way of Effingham County announced the goal for its annual campaign Friday afternoon at Effingham College and Career Academy.

Under the theme of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the United Way revealed a goal of $325,000 for its campaign, an increase over the 2014 goal of $317,000. The United Way brought in more than $354,000 last year for a new record total.

“The enthusiasm in this room is just multiplied throughout the community for United Way,” said United Way executive director Bonnie Dixon. “They obviously see our work in action and they support it through donations and voluntarism.”

Along with announcing the goal, the campaign kickoff enables the United Way to show its supporters the range of agencies and outreaches aided by the United Way, such as Family Promise, FORCE and Future Minds Literacy and Adult Education, among others.

“We have so many areas that we touch in this county,” Dixon said. “And what United Way does is we look for those gaps in services and we develop programs and services to meet those gaps. There is far more than what people realize.”

The United Way also recognized the donors that exceeded $10,000 in pledges for 2014 — Effingham County government, Georgia Power’s Effingham facilities, Effingham Health System and Effingham County Board of Education.

Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill was recognized as the campaign’s largest contributor — topping $176,000 — and for its participation in the loaned associates program. The loaned associates help make the United Way’s campaign plea to area businesses and groups.

The United Way also serves as a resource for people who need help, directing them to which agency can assist their needs.

“We encourage that when they have a need to call us,” Dixon said, “and we’ll refer them to the right place.”