FERRIDAY, La. – Customers shopping at Wal-Mart Friday morning left with more than carts of discount items – they also came away with a better understanding of what United Way agencies do.

Agencies that serve Concordia Parish and get funding from the United Way of the Miss-Lou held an agency fair at the store’s entrance, talking with customers and handing out brochures explaining services they provide.

Wal-Mart is encouraging all its stores to hold such fairs this month. On Aug. 6, a similar event was held at the Natchez Wal-Mart. United Way of the Miss-Lou has held fairs off and on for years, but Director Nancy Webster would like to see them become an annual event.

The premise of the fairs is that people will be more likely to give to the United Way if they know what is being done with the funds. The chapter hopes to raise $315,000 during this year’s fundraising campaign, which begins Sunday.

&uot;And it gives agencies a chance to let the public know what services are available,&uot;&160;Webster said.

&uot;It also allows us to meet other agencies and learn more about what they do,&uot;&160;said Bill Givler, district executive for the Ouachita Valley Boy Scout Council.

Other agencies included North River Counseling, the Concordia Council on Aging, the American Red Cross’ Central Louisiana Chapter, and Central Louisiana Girl Scouts. Carolyn Stark of Monterey stopped by the Boy Scout booth because her son was involved in the organization as a child. In her hand, was one of the homemade turkey calls Cub Scout Troop 401 were making to give out as favors.

&uot;I think it’s neat that the kids are involved in this. They really get into it,&uot; Stark said, looking back at members of Girl Scout Troop 403 of Ferriday, who were handing out pamphlets.