Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarDerron Radcliff, the CEO of United Way of East Mississippi, is optimistic about the agency's 2018-19 campaign, which has a "Step Right Up" theme. 

Hosting a carnival is one idea the United Way of East Mississippi has in mind to get the community involved in the organization’s mission.

The non-profit agency hosted a breakfast Tuesday to kick of a new year of campaigning, which will start on Sept. 6 at the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and will continue until the end of February 2019. The theme for this year will be “Step Right Up.”

The United Way is currently working with 23 partner agencies and 7 impact programs in Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, and Neshoba counties. Just last week, the organization  distributed more than $100,000 in school supplies in many local communities.

Derron Radcliff, the CEO of United Way of East Mississippi, said last year, they helped about 4,000 students in their Imagination Library program and helped many people with tax preparation. 

“The message is still the same for the United Way,” said Radcliff.

Radcliff, who joined the United Way in late March, said he has three goals for the upcoming year: building relationships, strengthening partnerships and being more transparent.

“By doing those things, we will have a strong United Way,” said Radcliff.

Dusty Culpepper, chair for the campaign, said they are working with different agencies on the carnival. Radcliff said the carnival will allow them to reach the community by going outside the workplace.

“It is something to bring a lot families and communities together,” he said. 

Thomas Huebner, president of Meridian Community College, said he is excited about participating in the campaign. He said his children were part of Imagination Library.

“The dollar is being spent and having a real impact on the people, “said Huebner.

John-Mark Cain, the superintendent of the Lauderdale County School District, said the district will look at how it can participate in the campaign.

Radcliff added that the United Way has had its ups and downs, but he’s optimistic that  this year will lead them in a new direction.