Today kicks off United Way of the Quad Cities' new fundraising campaign, but the organization already has a head start on this year's goal. United Way announced its new goal is $8.75 million, and over $2 million has already been raised.
President Scott Crane says for the first time this year, nine organizations started their campaigns early.
So far, the Pacesetters and Birdies for Charity campaigns have raised 46% more money than last year.
Also today, United Way held its 11th annual Day of Caring. About 25-hundred volunteers are working on 120 projects throughout the Quad Cities, doing everything from painting offices to cleaning walking trails and reading to children.
Crane says since the first Day of Caring, more than 13,000 volunteers have donated their time, totaling 49,000 hours of volunteer work.