The United Way of Jasper County has some exciting ideas for 2013, according to executive director Travis Padget. He is building relationships with numerous other charitable organizations in the area, wants to create a universal volunteer list and is looking forward to the United Way’s signature event, “Oktoberfest.”

“We always have Oktoberfest,” Padget said. “It’s our one major event and collaborative event with a large number of Jasper County non-profits.”

A large number indeed. The Newton YMCA, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Clearview Recovery, RSVP, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, JCCPCA are among some of the groups involved in participating in the Oktoberfest. Padget also mentioned that Skiff Medical Center usually participates as well.