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The United Way of Prince Edward County has postponed its third annual Great Farmville Duck Derby, but the fundraising effort where people can pay to place ducks in a friend’s yard will continue.

“As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of the 2020 Heart of Virginia Festival, the United Way has decided to postpone our annual Duck Derby Race,” the group’s all-volunteer board of directors noted in a statement. “We hope to reschedule our event for later in the year and appreciate everyone’s support thus far.”

But in an effort that the group hopes will spread some cheer in these stressful times and continue to help raise funds for local nonprofits now stretched thin, the United Way will continue its fundraising event.

Since a Wine and Brew event in late February at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, people have gladly paid $20 to have four handmade ducks placed in someone’s yard.

You can pay to have the ducks removed to someone else’s yard of your choosing,” United Way officials said.

That effort will continue, with the funds raised going to the United Way’s 23-partner organizations during these trying times so that the group can support its partners as it addresses the emerging needs of the community, the release stated.

Donations have reached more than $52,000 as the United Way moves toward its goal of raising $65,000 for the 2019-20 fiscal year.