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Steamboat Springs — Routt County United Way officials know the economic recession hurts people's ability to donate, but as the need for services continues to grow locally, they say there might not be a more important time than now for folks to give.

The organization that serves more than 40 area health and human service agencies kicked off its 27th annual eight-week fundraising campaign Tuesday. This year's goal is $525,000, which can be seen on the "Community Thermometer" that was installed on the Routt County Courthouse lawn to gauge the progress.

Laurie Good, president of the United Way's board of directors, said this year's goal is less than the $600,000 it set out to raise last year.

"We didn't quite reach that," she said. "We're being realistic in this economy. We're setting our expectations to be practical."

Realizing fundraising would be more challenging this year, Lynaia South Orr, the campaign chairwoman, said United Way has asked its donors and board members to be creative with their fundraising in an effort to reach more people. She said some early ideas include a poker night, a Nintendo Wii Sports tournament and dinner parties.

"It's going to be a tough year," she said. "While last year presented some challenges, we were really able to do most of the campaign before the (economic) effects were felt. Now, everyone's feeling it."

Some of the more than 40 local nonprofit organizations that rely in part on United Way funding include LIFT-UP of Routt County, Steamboat Mental Health, Partners in Routt County, Advocates Building Peaceful Communities, the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, Yampa Valley Autism Program, Habitat for Humanity and Hayden's Totally Kids program.

According to information provided by the United Way, LIFT-UP of Routt County reported that from mid-2008 to mid-2009, demand for its services increased dramatically.

Demand for food through LIFT-UP's food bank increased by 22 percent, the number of households assisted jumped by 25 percent and the number of individuals helped increased by 33 percent. Utility assistance increased 88 percent in that time period, and housing assistance increased 158 percent. Since 2007, housing assistance has increased by 202 percent.

United Way officials said local and state governments likely will provide less funding for health and human services organizations in 2010. Government assistance is often one of the largest contribution sources to those agencies.

Good said the money United Way raises will be distributed in quarterly installments beginning in February after an allocation committee reviews applications submitted by area health and human service agencies.

Those who want to contribute can do so by visiting www.unitedwayroutt.org and clicking on "Products." Scroll about halfway down the page and click on "Give Now." Donations also can be mailed to the United Way at P.O. Box 774005, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477, or dropped by its office at 1125 Lincoln Ave., Suites 2F and 2G. For more information, call 879-5605.

Donations also can be deducted from an employee's paycheck if the employer participates in United Way's "Workplace Giving Campaign."