A sack lunch.

That’s what United Way of West Georgia served to volunteers and guests at its 2009 campaign kickoff “luncheon” at Hoofers on Monday.

As symbols go, it was a strong one. That sack lunch - sandwich, banana, cookie - put into simple, culinary perspective why the gathering was important - and what it was all about.

“There are people in the community who don’t have the food we had in our sacks today,” UW board chairwoman Linda McMullen said.

The new campaign aims to build on the theme “Live United.” United Way agencies, their boards and clients, the campaign team and the community at large are challenged to “live united” by giving, advocating and volunteering in ways that help with residents’ education, finances and health.

This year’s fundraising campaign goal is a real number, but also symbolic. Leaders aim to raise $1,111,111 - a realistic and reachable sum to support the 29 agencies under the United Way umbrella - but also a reminder of the power of “one.”

Every one counts. Every one is needed. Every one can make a difference.

One person plus one person plus one person, plus one person, on down the line, all across the community, united to do together mountains more than individually they could accomplish.

That’s the brilliance - and the true beauty - of the United Way concept. Each one is important. Each one does his share, Each one helps someone, somehow, some way.

But “Live United” is more than a catchy theme and the number “one’ is more than a symbol.

The organization now focuses on root causes of problems, not just “band-aids” for what ails our community.

“We’re using a different model,” chairwoman McMullen said. “We’re looking at programs that can change the community for the better.”

United Way also is working to make unity a way of life - as opposed to a one-day feeling or temporary response to a crisis. Advocacy and volunteerism are now integral parts of the UW strategic plan.

United Way has always been more than a fundraising vehicle, but that fact sometimes gets lost in the push to ensure that adequate funds are raised. By digging deeper into the root causes of stubborn, problems that recur from generation to generation, United Way may actually inspire donors to dig deeper, even in hard times, to ensure that community needs are met. And positive change is made.

Seeking out opportunities to effect meaningful change involves more than raising money. United Way is committed to doing more.

Now, it’s time for all of us to do our part. The “sack lunch” kickoff reminds us of the need and “Live United” theme points the way.

One by one, living united, the important work of United Way will get done.

Be “one” of the many needed to reach the goal of $1,111,111.