The United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County kicked off its yearly campaign effort Wednesday night with an event at 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. with music, prizes and renewed hope for more donor dollars.

Traditionally, the centerpiece of funding collection for the United Way is workplace campaigns, where employees allot a donation out of their paycheck.

Last year, the local agency was down 28% in contributions compared to the previous year, mainly blamed on area layoffs that decreased the employment pool.

“I’m hopeful this year with the efforts that are being made to engage the community, understanding the need is great and we need their help,” Cathy Gore, the president and CEO of the local United Way, told the Register & Bee before Wednesday’s event.

Gore said she’s “mindful” of

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