A big goal is reached, and thousands of people will be helped.

The United Way of Deschutes County announced that its not only reached the fundraising goal of $1.2 million;  it's been surpassed as donations continue to come in. Spokesperson Darlene Rodgers says the number of those needed help from the services they fund is astounding. "Last year, we served over 72,000, in the sense of the programs we help fund. We served over 72,000 individuals. And these are not individuals counted multiple times. These are one-time individual counts. And that is nearly 1 in 3 residents of Deschutes County. So obviously, there are many people out there needing assistance." Rodgers says the United Way focuses on four key priorities: meeting people's most basic needs, giving every child the opportunity and a good start on life, protecting those most vulnerable from violence and abuse and keeping youth on track. She says they may have reached the goal, but the need continues and they are open to accept donations all year long.