We’re not there yet.

But the United Way of Douglas County’s 2009 campaign is still ahead of where it was a year ago.

“We’re on track to do well,” said Erika Dvorske, the United Way’s CEO and president. “Our goal was about a 5 percent increase from last year. That’s where it’s really going to be tight.”

She said the campaign has raised 60 percent — or $1.08 million — of its $1.8 million goal. At the same point last year, the campaign had brought in 57 percent of its target to raise $1.72 million.

“This next month is pretty important for us,” Dvorske said.

Tough economic times have created a difficult fundraising environment the last two years, she said, and the United Way ended up not meeting its 2008 goal until April.

Scot and Jane Buxton, who are chairing the campaign, spent Sunday night signing letters as reminders for people who donated in the past but have not yet turned in pledges this year.

Scot Buxton said it’s normal for the United Way’s campaign to be where it is at this point. He said it appears donations would slightly surpass last year’s total, although it’s likely that final numbers will still fall short of the ambitious $1.8 million target — the campaign’s highest goal ever.

“At the same time, when you take a look at the realities of the economic climate right now and particularly the business climate, to do as well, if not hopefully a little better than we did the previous year, is a testament to the caring community we live in,” he said.

The pledge forms are still coming in, Dvorske said, because many people are waiting until near the end of the year. Douglas County is also home to a large population of commuters who sign their pledge forms at work in Kansas City or Topeka. Douglas County won’t get to add in those pledges likely until February.

The United Way distributes donations to 24 local agencies in the spring. A community impact grant is also awarded.