The United Way of Moore County has begun its annual fundraising campaign, setting a goal of $625,000. It set the same goal last year, falling $23,000 short.

Last year, most United Way branches fell short of their goal due to the concentration of giving to Hurricane Katrina victims. In 2004, many people gave to tsunami victims.

Executive Director Linda Pearson said that she thinks the goal is attainable.

"I feel confident," she said. "We've got our fingers crossed that there are no national disasters."

The Pacesetter campaign started in August. Pearson said that the response has been excellent up to this point.

The campaign began on Sept. 8 when the United Way held its second annual "Day of Caring." United Way volunteers use the day to do tasks for the agencies that they don't often have time to do for themselves.

Check Wednesday's Pilot and ThePilot.com for the full story and for a multimedia presentation of the Day of Caring.