It's official. The 2003-04 Grove City Area United Way annual campaign is now underway, and the agency hopes to raise at least $200,000 before it wraps up in November.

The campaign kickoff, celebrated Saturday with a banquet at Grove City College, was highlighted by two special events -- a presentation of C. Douglas Clinger Community Service Award and the recognition of the Day of Caring activities.

This is the first time the agency teamed up with members of the Orientation Board at the college. Three students -- seniors Kara Barber and Cherith Eppley, and sophomore Lauren Zaepfel -- worked with more than 200 Grove City freshmen, 40 adult volunteers and 75 board members during the daylong festivities.

The freshmen volunteered several hours Saturday to work on 15 projects for area agencies that included painting walls, washing windows and restoring playgrounds.

The Day of Caring is Miss Barber's brainchild, and she said she wants it to become an annual activity.

Miss Zaepfel agreed, saying the event "was a way for freshmen to bond." Miss Eppley said the event gave freshmen "time to see what it is to serve."

Steve Gould gave the keynote address.

"At a time when charitable organizations are trying to do more with less, this United Way has established a 5 percent higher goal," he said. "This board is committed to helping agencies meet their needs."