Even the direct recipients of the campaign contributions from the Area Wide United Way like to help out with the donations.

"We know the importance so we get 100 percent behind it," said Denise Stewart, who works at the Otahki Girl Scout Council.

Stewart is coordinating the employee campaigns for the 20 Area Wide United Way agencies.

Contributions should reach about 25 percent of the goal by next week, said Deena McCutchen, administrative assistant for the service organization.

Much of the $525,000 goal will come from employee contributions to the Area Wide United Way. Since most companies are still offering the employee campaign, donations are about normal, McCutchen said.

Getting those contributions is often done through employee incentives and contests. But JCPenney stores are offering a cookbook sale as their campaign contribution.

Half of the proceeds from the sale of seasonal cookbooks and craft books will be donated to the Area Wide United Way campaign, store manager Harry Rediger said. The Cape Girardeau store is participating in the national sale, but also is supplementing its donations with bake sales, rummage sales and other fund raisers.

"It's year-long," Rediger said. "We want to keep it in mind and get some money." Rediger also is an Area Wide United Way board member.

After working last month at the Salvation Army during the "Day of Caring," JCPenney employees have unofficially adopted the agency as their own.

"We had 10 people get involved and we are going to continue to monitor the project," said Rediger.

And that's the purpose of the "Day of Caring" project sponsored by the Area Wide United Way. Individuals and businesses work in the agencies to see what the needs are and then can contribute to the Area Wide United Way year round, not just during special campaigns.

More than 100 businesses participate in the campaign. The Area Wide United Way serves Cape Girardeau, Scott City and Jackson.