The fences have been moved in slightly. But hitting a homer would still be grand.

At a baseball-themed kickoff luncheon Monday, the United Way of the CSRA announced a $4.4 million goal for this year's campaign.

While that is slightly less than the $4.5 million goal of last year, it seems prudent enough: With hurricane relief sapping some $1.5 million in donations last year, the community came nearly $200,000 short of the goal.

Still, $4.4 million is swinging for the fences.

And after pouring out our hearts to Katrina victims last year, this may be the year to bring it home.

Here's why: The United Way of the CSRA pinch hits for 20 local human service agencies, covering the gamut of our neighbors' need: youth services (44 percent of United Way grants), emergency services (28 percent), family services (17 percent) and health and safety (11 percent).

The United Way not only helps coordinate all this, but lends a hand itself - such as with an annual "Day of Caring" in which volunteers fan out to complete various projects at United Way agencies.

And United Way also offers and staffs the 2-1-1 phone line - where, just by dialing 211, you can find the right agency or program to either receive assistance from or lend your time and talents to.

United Way agencies form a circle of help. By helping them, it circles back to you, either directly or indirectly: in lower taxes or in a healthier community - or perhaps in the form of direct services, should you need them.

It's about people helping each other.

Grab a bat and step up to the plate. It's going to take everything we've got to hit this out of the park, even with some 700 work sites running campaigns. Get involved in your company's campaign - ask about it - or find out if you can start one.

Or contact the United Way directly to help out: 706-724-5544.

We can't afford to have anyone riding the bench this year.