The United Way of Mower County raised more than $1 million for the third-straight year.

The organization raised $1,033,550 for its 2012 campaign, just shy of its $1.2 million goal and nearly identical to last year’s $1,040,000.

“We’re obviously pleased,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, UW Mower executive director. “We continue to raise over a million dollars, which is phenomenal for a community our size.”

“A big thank you to everyone who continues to help us raise these dollars for our community,” she added.

Leaders in Giving, those donors who give $500 or more, grew from 366 people to 466.

As a result of all the fundraising, 53 community programs will receive $800,000 — $20,000 more than last year — to invest in education, income and health.

The United Way held its annual victory celebration Wednesday night at the Hormel Historic Home and announced some new plans for next year’s campaign, which include increasing nutritious meals, encouraging more healthful eating habits, increasing personal care items and helping with employment and education.