It's that time again for the United Way of York County and the community.

The nonprofit organization will hold a breakfast kickoff for its annual fundraising campaign from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Frank Theatres at 2071 Springwood Road at Queensgate Towne Center in York Township.

More than 250 people are expected to attend the event, where the United Way will discuss its goal of raising $7.125 million this year, the organization said in a news release.

The amount is 3 percent higher than the $6.9 million raised during last year's campaign, according to the organization.

Last year, the United Way fell more than $130,518 short of its goal of $7,045,000. Fundraising efforts were hampered by the economic downturn, which led to companies' laying off employees who would have contributed to the campaign.

But for United Way executive director Robert Woods, this year's campaign will forge beyond the economic challenges so that the organization can financially assist agencies that serve the community.

"Regardless of the economic conditions in York County, there is a strong need for services offered by our 36 partner agencies," he said in a statement. "Our goal is to raise the dollars for our agencies to meet needs of individuals and families in our community."

The agencies help residents in need in the areas of income, health and education, the organization said.

This year's campaign chair is Mark Ottemiller, president at NuTec Design Associates in York. Like Woods, Ottemiller looks to generous community support in order for the United Way to have a successful campaign.

"It is through the financial generosity of our area businesses and neighbors in York County that we are able to make a difference in the community," Ottemiller said in a statement. "In good economic times and bad, there is still a great call for the services provided by our partners."

United Way's campaign celebration and awards event will be held Jan. 22 at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George St., in the city, according to the organization's website at www.unitedway-york.org.

To attend the kickoff event, event and for more campaign information, call United Way's office at 843-0957 or visit its website at www.unitedway-york.org.

-Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at emcmillan@yorkdispatch.com.