More people need more help because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.
Michelle O'Neill reports that's why the Quad Cities United Way is kicking off its annual campaign early.
President and CEO, Rene Gellerman, says the organization had to start nearly two months early because the need is so great.
Last year, the United Way raised $7.1 million.
But Gellerman has been talking with Quad Cities business leaders, but meeting or exceeding that amount in 2020 is going to be difficult.
The agency only has around $3 million to $4 million to distribute in its current grant cycle, but it's received more than $10 million in requests.
The local United Way hopes to raise $2.5 million by October 1st, 2020. And an anonumous donor will match the first $300,000 given by new donors, and increased amounts people give compared to last year.
The annual campaign will continue through February.