Paula Robertson, like many people, had heard about the United Way.

But she really had no idea about all different things they do to help make life better for people in Northeast Arkansas.

"The United Way was kind of on my radar," Robertson said. "I really didn't put two and two together and frankly, I just never put together all the needs that are out there."

That all changed though when she came to work for the organization in June as a community impact coordinator.

She spoke to the Trumann Lions Club Sept. 17 about the United Way and the different ways the organization helps residents of Northeast Arkansas.

Robertson, a Harrisburg native, worked in the same office building as the United Way for several years and watched the staff of four handle all of the requests for help which came through their office.

"I saw these four people make such a difference," Robertson said.

When one of the staff members left to devote more time to her family following the birth of her third child, Robertson leapt at the chance to come to work for the organization.

"I was blessed to step in," Robertson said. "Now, I totally get it. I get to see the work the United Way does every day and am blessed to be a part of it."

The United Way is a charitable non-profit organization which has over 1,300 local United Way offices throughout the country and helps raise funds to resolve community needs.

The local United Way office is based in Jonesboro and serves the needs of eight counties in Northeast Arkansas.

The group provides funding to organizations such as the YMCA, PACES Inc. (Parenting and Childbirth Education and Services) and City Youth Ministries.

Last July, the United Way partnered with Wal-Mart in Trumann for "Stuff the Bus," which collected donated school supplies and distributed them to schools in Trumann.

"That day, in an eight county area we raised over $5,000 and we also collected over 25,000 packages of school supplies that were dispersed Cedar Park Elementary School," Robertson said."

As the community impact coordinator for Poinsett County, Robertson works with an assessment team led by Larry Rich, manager of the Trumann Wal-Mart, and Reba Hobson of Bilco, who raise money to help people in Trumann.

"They are the ones who actually get out in the community and help us assess the needs," Robertson said. "The money raised here stays here. I come in and help them raise funds and figure out where the need is."

Robertson also spoke about the new 2-1-1 statewide telecommunications help line.

Spearheaded by United way of Arkansas, 211 is a free and easy to remember telephone number that connects Arkansans in need with community services such as food banks, shelters, employment support, services for children and elderly, support groups, counseling and rent and utility assistance.

The 2-1-1 system was launched in May and Arkansas is now the 17th state to offer the service.

"Operators are available 24/7," Robertson said. "Any individual can pick up the phone and get the help they need."

Robertson said 2-1-1 operators handled nearly 4,000 calls in August and had over 17,000 hits on the Website.

"I think that is amazing," Robertson said. "It's really an awesome system and has the potential to touch the lives of each and every one of us and make our state and nation stringer. It's just another way that United Way dollars are used to make your community a better place to live."