The new fund-raising season for the Northern Mercer County United Way began Thursday with a picnic at the Thiel College stadium in Greenville.

This year's campaign goal is $220,000, said board president Michele Brooks of Jamestown.

"Due to the increased need, we realize we need to work harder for contributions," she said. Mrs. Brooks said the many job losses -- at Werner Co. and Damascus-Bishop Tube -- may make it difficult to meet the goal.

The money the Northern Mercer County United Way raises goes to various charities in Mercer County, including: The American Red Cross, AW/ARE rape crisis and domestic violence agency, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Catholic Charities, Children's Aid and Children's Center, the Good Shepherd Center, Greenville Area Public Library, Keystone Blind Association and Association for Retarded Citizens of Mercer County.