WARSAW — Two area companies, Maple Leaf Farms Inc. and Kosciusko Community Hospital, have signed on to be pacesetters for the 2016 United Way campaign in Kosciusko County.

Internal teams of employees at both companies, along with United Way staff, have been working to execute their annual fund drive designed specifically for their employees.

Maple Leaf Farms Inc., a fourth-generation, family-owned company, is a leading producer of quality duck products. Over the past several years, Maple Leaf Farms Inc., has made strides to increase the quality of their product both locally and internationally. Despite the tremendous growth, Maple Leaf Farms Inc., has not lost sight of the values and commitment to family, community and quality.

Kosciusko Community Hospital, a member of Lutheran Health Network, is the only emergency department in the county that is an accredited chest-pain center and accredited stroke center.

KCH is a 72-bed facility that boasts all-private rooms and is home to an urgent-care center, occupational health, heart and stroke care, health and wellness, rehabilitation services, sleep center, wound care center, cancer care center providing chemo therapy and radiation therapy.

KCH and Maple Leaf Farms have been loyal supporters of United Way of Kosciusko County and have taken on the challenge to increase their employee campaign. With this commitment from Maple Leaf Farms and KCH, United Way anticipates a strong start to the annual campaign.

United Way fights for the education, financial stability and health for every person in our community. All funds raised during the United Way 2016 campaign will be used to create positive change within Kosciusko County. An Indiana Association of United Way grant will match new dollars raised in the 2016 campaign up to $204,341. This grant opportunity will allow for new self-sufficiency opportunities for clients at Fellowship Missions and Combined Community Services.