Every year, the Harrison County United Way faces a daunting task: Raise an enormous amount of money for 23 social service agencies. This year, the United Way not only reached its goal, but it exceeded it by more than $2,000. An anonymous donor on Monday pushed the total to $722,490.

Ken Moslander, executive director of the Harrison County United Way, said 3,500 donors made it possible for them to reach their goal.

"We're ecstatic," he said. "It's been a tough campaign. An awful lot of people worked awfully hard for this."

And the hard work has paid off. The money will help supplement the annual budgets of such local agencies as the Salvation Army, CRISS-CROSS, the Red Cross and a host of others. And all of the money raised will stay here in Harrison County.

We'd like to congratulate the dedicated employees and volunteers of the Harrison County United Way for a job well done. We'd also like to thank the many residents and businesses who helped to make this year's campaign such a success. Our community cares about those who are less fortunate, and the United Way's success is evidence of that caring.

The United Way will continue to accept contributions for another two weeks, and then the work begins on next year's campaign. For now, though, everyone should be proud of the work they've just completed.

Today's editorial reflects the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of John G. Miller, James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin and J. Cecil Jarvis.