VALDOSTA — When asked why First State Bank and Trust Company of Valdosta has been one of the Greater Valdosta United Way’s leading supporters for more than a decade, First State Bank President and CEO David Durland said, “Our philosophy is that we want to put our money to the best use, and what better way to reach the most people than through the United Way.”

Durland said that First State Bank has made major contributions to the United Way, and strongly supported the organizations’ annual campaign, since he became president of the bank 13 years ago.

“There is not another organization in Lowndes County that serves so many in the community,” Durland said. “We feel we can benefit people who need it the most through the United Way. As one of the leading banks in the community, we feel like we should also be one of the leading contributors.”

The company donated $14,000 to the United Way for the 2009-10 campaign. When added to the $11,000 raised collectively by employees and team members at each of the local First State Bank branches, the company’s total contribution is $25,000 this year.

The bank also believes in increasing its financial contribution to the United Way each year, especially during times of economic hardship. United Way Executive Director Bobby Yarbrough said that First State Bank increases its monetary gift by at least $500 every year.

In addition to the financial support it provides, First State Bank donates time and participates in community service activities to assist the United Way. Two First State Bank employees serve on the United Way’s board of directors, Durland said.

This year, five team members worked at a non-profit agency on the Day of Caring and one employee has served as a loan executive during the United Way campaign. As a loan executive, the employee makes presentations at companies to promote payroll donations for the United Way.

“First State Bank is just proud to be one of the organization’s supporters,” Durland said. “The company appreciates everything the United Way does for the people of Lowndes County.”

The 2009-10 United Way campaign kicked off August 28 with the Day of Caring. The theme for this year’s campaign is 55 Years of Bringing Hope to Life. The campaign is chaired by Leigh Worn, who has been involved with the United Way for approximately 10 years.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $1.1 million. The money raised will benefit 21 agencies the United Way serves.

Agencies include ACTO (Alzheimer’s Caregivers Time-Out), America’s Second Harvest Food Bank, American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club Sports Programs, Boys and Girls Club Youth Programs, Children’s Advocacy Center, Golija, Habitat for Humanity, The Haven, Jacobs’ Ladder, LAMP, Moody Family Support Center, Moody Youth Program, RSVP, Salvation Army, Southside Recreation Center and YMCA.

The United Way Campaign will continue until the end of January.

Contributions to the Greater Valdosta United Way 2009-10 campaign can be made through payroll deduction, one-time pledges with checks or money orders by mail or requests to be billed during the year.

The Greater Valdosta United Way serves Berrien, Brooks, Echols, Lanier and Lowndes counties.

To learn more about the Greater Valdosta United Way or to make a donation, please call (229) 242-2208 or visit unitedwayvaldosta.org.