The Area Wide United Way Board of Directors has approved the list of programs to be funded from contributions raised through the upcoming annual campaign drive.

Plans for the 2002 campaign are already under way, with Larry Dunger heading the charge as campaign chairman. Dunger of Scott City is retired from R.B. Potashnick.

The official public campaign will kick off Sept. 10, said Nancy Jernigan, United Way executive director.

"We'll have a fund kickoff during the Southeast Missouri District Fair, at the fairgrounds," she said, adding that a lot will be happening before then.

"We have a real case for funding this year," said Jernigan. "Some agencies will be losing some state funding, and their local dollars have to go further." Cabinet members have been selected to help conduct the drive, said Steve Taylor, president of the United Way board. Taylor is president of Bank of America.

These include: John M. Thompson, Bank of Missouri; Dennis Marchi, Schnucks; Ken Dobbins, Southeast Missouri State University; Janet Esicar, Capaha Bank; Kathy Bertrand, USbank; Derieck Hodges, Albrecht & Hodges; David Shell, Commerce Bank; Melvin Gateley, former city councilman; Dan Muser, Cape Parks and Recreation director; Clint Karnes, Commerce Bank; Dale Gilliland, State Farm; and Roger Tatum, retired Scott City school superintendent. An estimate 150 to 200 volunteers are recruited each year to help with the annual campaign.

Goals for the 2002 campaign will be established, with the help of an advisory committee, composed of 20 companies, whose corporate and employee contributions historically have totaled more than 75 percent of the total raised. The 2001 campaign raised more than $891,000.

Forty-five programs through 31 local agencies will receive an allocation, including the Volunteer Intergenerational Center, which opens this summer to coordinate and promote volunteerism throughout the community.

The board approved the list of programs at its May meeting, following a review of all programs requesting funding. The annual review process consists of written and verbal reports from each agency.

The United Way switched from funding general agency expenses to specific program expenses three years ago.

"This shift has allowed us to target our funding to address specific needs in the community," said Jernigan.

In addition, some one-time grants focus on needs in transportation, affordable housing, substance abuse and assistance for low-income families.

United Way funds have provided medical care for abused youngsters, meals for senior citizens, funds for Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs, and disaster relief services.