As needs in the community rise and the fund-raising goal draws near, United Way of Martin County is applauding the addition of some new workplace campaigns.

One new campaign was conducted by National City, which recently made a corporate gift of $1,500 to United Way of Martin County, adding to the $2,095 pledged by the bank’s employees.

At this time of year, United Way directs its major appeal toward individuals in communities, but workplace campaigns are still being encouraged and conducted. New local workplace campaigns starting this month include Waste Management Inc. and South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

United Way of Martin County has reached about 80 percent of its campaign goal of $2.3 million. The drive culminates with the annual Champions of the Community awards and dinner on March 27 at Hutchinson Island Marriott.

Meeting – and exceeding – the campaign goal is more important than ever. With people facing rising costs and unemployment, requests for emergency assistance are outpacing available resources. United Way agencies report that requests for food assistance are up 44 percent over last year, financial assistance by 38 percent and clothing by 20 percent.

If you would like to donate to help the common good or get your company involved in a workplace giving campaign, please call Lucy Corley, United Way of Martin County director of development, at (772) 283-4800, ext. 222.

More information about United Way of Martin County is available at www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.