Sarah Hines is on a mission. In a matter of eight hours, she plans to call on 600 businesses. This sounds mind boggling, but for people who know Sarah, you understand it’s going to be executed…and executed well.  
    As captain of United Way’s Small Business Blitz, Sarah is orchestrating volunteers to contact small businesses Tuesday, Oct. 24 with a goal of collecting $10,000.
    “Right now I have 60 volunteers who have committed to call on these businesses.  But I need 40 more volunteers to do the job well,” Hines said.
    Last year community volunteers went door to door and collected $8,000 from 124 businesses. “The potential is amazing,” she says. “I know if we continue to organize it better and fine tune it we have the ability to raise upwards to $20,000,” said the lifelong resident of Statesboro.
    Hines, with a steering committee of 12, has tweaked and updated the business lists since March.  
    “Her can-do attitude to make this goal is incredible,” said Bob Olliff, executive director of United Way of Southeast Georgia. “Sarah’s determination is an inspiring example to all of us.”
    Hines’ reasons for being involved are simple.
    “It’s the right thing to do,” she said. “What other way can you give and benefit 20 agencies at once?   I’m interested in all 20 agencies so this giving makes sense to me.  When we give to United Way we improve the quality of life for all and this in turn affects my children and grandchildren.”
    Trish Tootle, public relations officer for Farmers and Merchants Bank, was a volunteer with the blitz last year and will contact businesses again next week.
    “I’ve been involved with United Way for many years and have had the opportunity to sit on the Citizens Review Panel. When you see how these agencies operate off the funds provided to them, you are inspired to help with this fundraising,” she said. “Folks just don’t realize the magnitude of how far reaching United Way is in our community.”
Tootle adds that another bonus of being involved is working with Hines.
    “Sarah has been one of my mentors in Bulloch County for a long time. When she is committed to a cause, you can be assured that it is going to be done right,” Tootle says.
    Volunteers will begin the fundraising effort on Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. at the Cornerstone Church with a breakfast kickoff. If you are interested in helping you can contact Sarah at (912) 681-3150 or call the United Way office at (912) 489-8475.