St. Louis (KSDK) -- The United Way of Greater St. Louis wants to raise $72 million this fall.

The United Way will kick off its fundraising campaign September 4 and it ends early November.

The organization helps 170 agencies throughout the bi-state.

The money raised for the local campaign will stay in the 16 Missouri and Illinois counties United Way of Greater St. Louis serves: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Warren, and Lincoln in Missouri; Calhoun, Green, Macoupin, Jersey, Madison, Clinton, St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph in Illinois.

Last year, more than 200,000 people and 2,500 businesses donated to United Way, raising more than $71.02 million. Individuals can pledge a donation by calling 314-421-0700 or visiting www.stl.unitedway.org.

KSDK