When the Effingham County United Way set a goal of $260,000 for its annual campaign, it seemed rather lofty, particularly given the current economic conditions gripping the Coastal Empire.

But for a community that has shown time and time again that it is never too busy to care or to give, that bar was passed with great ease.

We offer our congratulations and our thanks to the tireless effort of Bonnie Dixon and the United Way campaign team for raising more than $290,000 in this year’s annual campaign. And they may not be done. Dixon said the final tally could surpass $300,000.

With unemployment still rising and the list of foreclosures growing daily, the need for United Way remains great and the need to support it and its member agencies grows too. And every dollar raised in Effingham County can be earmarked to stay in Effingham and help Effingham residents and programs.

Overall, the United Way of the Coastal Empire, which covers Effingham, Bryan, Chatham and Liberty counties, has set a campaign fundraising goal of $8.2 million. The final total of the campaign will be revealed this Friday in a victory celebration at the Westin Savannah Harbor. But from here, it looks as though the United Way of Effingham — and the people of Effingham County — have won already.