DIXON – If the United Way of Lee County reaches its fund-raising goal this year, Amboy schools will have played a big part.

At this week’s first update on the 2012 fundraising campaign, Amboy schools reported raising more than $4,000 for the United Way. That already tops the schools’ donation last year, and nearly twice as many employees are giving to United Way.

“Our United Way has represented all of Lee County for 12 years now,” said Sue Hohlen, executive director of United Way of Lee County. “I think more down-county residents now realize how much we do throughout Lee County.”