Even in a time when economists are saying spending is down and people are tightening their belts, the United Way of Angelina County was able to meet its 2009 fundraising goals.

And the United Way didn't just meet its goal this year, but well exceeded it.

"It's just an awesome feeling to know that the citizens of Angelina County have come through in such a big way," said Jay Jackson, local United Way campaign chairman.

''Not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it by a large amount. The money we helped raise is going to help a lot of great organizations."

The United Way's goal this year was $525,000. That amount was lowered this year because of the economic downturn, but United Way staff say that the group exceeded the goal by 22 percent, raising $638,421.

This is the 62nd year for the United Way to raise funds in Angelina County, and each year the agency has been able to meet the yearly goal, Jackson said.

"This money is going to help 23 agencies throughout Angelina County," he said. "That helps everyone from our very youngest citizens to our most mature, and everyone in between."

Of the 23 agencies supported by the United Way's fundraising efforts, the Salvation Army is the largest recipient, using the money to help hundreds of underprivileged people in the county.

Capt. Luis Melendez and Renea Wilson, of the Salvation Army, said the funds from this year's drive will go to a variety of charitable programs.

"We feel very happy and very excited that the United Way has exceeded its goal this year by so much," Melendez said. "The Salvation Army is happy to be the United Way's largest recipient and we are grateful to be able to turn that generosity around and put it right back into the community."

Wilson said the money goes to help fund the soup kitchen, which prepares hot lunches during the week for anyone who needs it, as well as the company's thrift store.

"We help anyone from a student in college to a senior citizen, to a single mom," Wilson said. "We have lots of different scenarios for our clients, and lately a lot of the people we have seen have been laid off and need to provide for their families."

The Salvation Army also helps provide meal bags for families and assists people with utility bills to keep them warm during the winter.

"We're here to help people the best possible way we can," Melendez said. "We want people to know their generosity will directly help people right here in the community."

To celebrate another successful fundraising year, staff with the United Way will paint the official sign, located at the Lufkin Mall, one last time this morning, with the iconic thermometer bursting out of the top this year to represent the exceeded goal.

The Salvation Army will be providing a hot breakfast for those in attendance, before the group heads down to Diboll to do it all over again.

"There have been so many people involved in making this happen, from the division chairs, to the 23 agencies that also have volunteers, it has truly been a large community effort," Jackson said. "There's too many people to list that have helped with this project, but most we'd like to thank our neighbors in Angelina County who have really risen to the challenge again."

To find out more about the United Way, visit the organization's official Web site at liveunited.org.