It is nearly that time of year again, where those in the Bartow County community come together to give thanks for their own blessings as well as pool their resources to bless others.

Benefitting from the generosity of others is the United Way of Bartow County which is in the midst of a capital campaign drive and president Brenda Morehouse said the community has helped the organization raise 80 percent of its $500,000 goal.

Morehouse said a significant portion of the donations have come from the popular payroll deduction program offered by many local employers.

Shaw Industries, Publix, Georgia Power and Anheuser-Busch are among the top employers in Bartow County whose employees give big through the program Morehouse said.

“The Bartow County community has always been very giving and it surprises me on a consistent basis the amount of money that’s generated through our payroll deduction campaigns and I have to say thank you to some of our largest contributors,” Morehouse said. “It really helps us to be able to reach our goal.”

As the holiday season approaches, Morehouse said she hopes a pre-holiday tradition will help pique the generosity of the community to help raise the remaining 20 percent.

“Our local United Way has been blessed not to ever have missed our goal even through the downturn of the economy,” Morehouse said.

The annual Turkey Trot 5K, sponsored by the United Way, is the weekend before Thanksgiving and sets off a special time of year.

Morehouse said the entire family is welcome to get their holidays off to a running start and help support the United Way.

The run/walk is Nov. 17 with a course along Etowah River Walk and along with the beautiful scenery, runners will appreciate a T-shirt and hot refreshments at the finish line. Walkers and jogging strollers are welcome.

Registration is $25 and is open through the day of the race.

The race begins at 9 a.m. Participants should pick up their numbers and shirts beginning at 8 a.m.

Overall male and female winners will receive trophies. Winners in 16 age groups will receive a frozen turkey.

Information: (770) 386-1677 or www.bartowliveunited.org.