This year, Veterans United plans on pledging $300,00 toward the Heart of Missouri United Way and will also be involved in volunteer efforts in what is becoming an increasingly strong local partnership.

The figure puts Veterans United over the $1 million mark in total contributions to United Way over the last four years.

In 2010, Veterans United matched employee donations dollar-for-dollar and contributed a total of $431,594 to the Heart of Missouri United Way as part of their annual community campaign. Their devoted participation in the event earned them the recognition as one of United Way's "Pacesetters" for the 2010 campaign. The title is awarded to the top contributors each year.

Last year's total nearly doubled the figure reached in 2009, when Veterans United employees pledged $222,744. The company's partnership with United Way began with a donation of more than $100,000 in 2008.

Led by local businesses, the annual campaign program is a key component in the Heart of Missouri United Way's mission. According to the United Way's website, the Mid-Missouri branch "works to improve lives of people in need by mobilizing and coordinating the caring power of community resources in mid-Missouri."