Brian Rivers, a board member of the Bainbridge-Decatur County United Way, urged those attending Thursday morning’s Chamber of Commerce breakfast to give a little—or a lot—to the United Way.

“We do have individuals who give large sums of money, and we do appreciate it a lot and we’ll put it to good use,” said Rivers, who is the regional manager for Georgia Power. “But our bread and butter has really been small, more manageable donations from scores and scores of people, and that’s lots and lots of people.”

The Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, which serves 21 counties, sponsored the breakfast Thursday, which was held at the credit union’s new building on U.S. 27 North.

The United Way has set its goal for next year at $65,000, which that money will be distributed next year to 12 agencies.

“That’s going to be challenging in this economy, but I feel like we’re up to the challenge, and we’ll be able to make it.”

The money raised will go to 12 agencies that have successfully completed an application process with the local board.

These 12 local agencies in one way or another improve the educational, health and well-being of those in need in the community, Rivers said.

The agencies to be funded are BAIN Inc.-Center for Independent Living, CASA of Southwest Georgia, Decatur County Family Connection Inc.-ESCAPE, Decatur County Neighborhood Service Center, Friends with Jesus Inc.-Friendship House, Halcyon House Inc., Laymen Brotherhood Second Change Outreach Center Inc., LIFE-Decatur County Certified Literate Community, R.I.S.E. Education Tutoring Inc., The Salvation Army, Samaritan Counseling Center for Southwest Georgia and SOWEGA Council on Aging-Bainbridge Senior Center-Meals on Wheels.