It's got a new name, but the goal of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community remains the same.

On Tuesday, board members of the United Way of Greater Marietta decided it was time for a name that reflects the true identity of the organization. The group will now be called the United Way of Washington County.

The organization has been collecting donations from area residents since 1929 and distributing money to area nonprofits, such as the American Red Cross, local youth baseball leagues, senior nutrition programs and countless others.

"The name we had only reflected Marietta, so people in Beverly or New Matamoras might think we don't support organizations that serve them," said Glen Ray, local United Way president. "Our new name better reflects what we do and what we intend to do more of."

Last year, the organization pledged $247,000 to 17 nonprofit Washington County organizations. In addition, about $50,000 of funds raised each year are needed to cover operational and administrative costs. The group came up about 8 percent short of the $301,500 goal.

Mary Anne Bush, executive director of the local United Way, said no goal has been set for 2009. The group is reviewing applications from 19 organizations at this time.

"We're interviewing our applicants, and they are providing us with their budget information," Bush said. "We are concerned about fundraising this year because of the economy and job losses, but this is a local effort and I think we came closer to our goal last year than a lot of people thought we could. We're helping friends, families and neighbors and I hope we will continue to be able to do that."

Bush said she supported the name change because most, if not all, of the organizations the group supports benefit all of the county.

"Really, all of our agencies have clients outside Marietta," she said. "We've considered a name change for a number of years. There is a perception that Marietta is all we serve."

Bush said the Red Cross and Washington County Senior Nutrition Program are two good examples of organizations that benefit people all across the county.

Al Miller, executive director of the Marietta Family YMCA, said the United Way serves an important role in the community and in the continued operations of his organization.

"We asked for $30,000 last year and we're asking for $35,000 this year," Miller said. "It has to do with the economy, with people being laid off and out of work, but still wanting their kids to be able to go to summer camps or swim or participate in sports. The United Way enables so many possibilities for kids in the community."