It’s time for United Way to make a touchdown.

United Way serving Washington Parish is holding its annual “Campaign Kickoff” Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

The venue this year will be the Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 510 Avenue B in Bogalusa, across from Annunciation Catholic Church. This year’s kick-off theme is “Touchdown for United Way.”

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In line with that theme, Dr. Billy Cannon will be the honored speaker for this event. Cannon is an All-American, 1959 Heisman Trophy winner and 2008 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and one of the American Football League’s most celebrated players.

United Way has worked toward the common good in the Washington Parish for over 50 years, according to a press release from the organization. United Way is inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better life for all, according to the organization.

United Way works with community partners Washington Parish Council of Aging, Nellie Byers Training Center, as well as Washington Parish Activity Center, and Happy Trails Therapeutic Horsemanship Center to provide a multitude of services for elderly or disabled community members. When in a crisis, partners such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO), Adapt Inc., Bogalusa Help Center and Southeast Spouse Abuse Program are available with the help of the United Way serving Washington Parish.  Partners such as the YMCA, YWCA, Youth Service Bureau (YSB), Washington Parish Literacy Council, Bogalusa and Franklinton Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, Camp Fire Towazi Council and Boy Scouts of America Istrouma Council provide programs that contribute to the common good of children and families of the community.

“We strive to deliver programs and services that target real community needs and provide building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to stable employment, sufficient income to support a family, sound mental and physical health and a safety net in times of crisis,” according to the press release.

The goal is to create long lasting changes that prevent problems from happening. To live united means being part of that change, according to the local United Way.

Event tickets are $8 per person. Tickets can also be purchased at the United Way office or at the door. All donations will be allocated to the 2009-2010 community partner agencies. Those who would like to attend the kick off event should RSVP to United Way at 716 Avenue F in Bogalusa, or contact (985) 732-2305, or AprilB@unitedwaynola.org.