As the United Way of the Lowcountry reaches almost 77 percent of its annual fundraising goal, the needs of member agencies such as Jasper County Disabilities and Special Needs continue to grow.

The Ridgeland-based agency provides people living in five group homes with 24-hour care and supervision, according to a United Way news release. It also operates a day program to help those with special needs learn or retain skills, with the aim of placing them in jobs.

The United Way announced Thursday it has received more than $2,240,000 in gifts and pledges for its $2.8 million annual fundraising campaign.