United Way of Leflore County has only $3,000 to go in order to reach this year's goal of $115,000. Dale Persons, president, said the charitable organization hopes to go beyond the mark.

"Reaching 100 percent is great; reaching 105 percent is even better," Persons said.

Persons urges the community to keep giving even after the campaign ends.

The non-profit organization has been campaigning since August to reach its goal. Members are hoping to reach $115,000 by their Thanksgiving deadline.

Persons was worried donations might drop when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi coast in August. But the county's generosity continued unabated, according to Persons.

"It's just another example of how Mississippi is the most giving state," he said.

Persons attributes the success to an increase in participation from businesses. Donations from employee campaigns are on the rise, he said.

Fund-raisers this year have also boosted collections. A pace setter held in August raised $40,000.

The money will benefit 12 agencies in the area.

"We've had an excellent start," said Persons. "I feel good about where we are."