THANK YOU, UNITED WAY CONTRIBUTORS

This year's Area Wide United Way goal of $625,000 was the most ambitious ever set by the organization which serves 25 agencies in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City. The good news is that the goal has been exceeded. Even better news is that the goal was topped by a substantial amount which will be announced at a victory party Jan. 7.

In spite of such success, the plain fact is that United Way contributions are still needed. Why? Because requests for funds always exceed the goals set for the annual fund drives. United Way makes every effort to be equitable in its fund raising, but there are always more good ways to help others.

Certainly the most significant contribution to this year's campaign came from employee and corporate donations from Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co., a total of $214,000. Other large donors were St. Francis Medical Center, Dana Corp., Southeast Missouri Hospital, AmerenUE, M&W Packaging Inc., JCPenney Co., Schnucks Food & Drug, Lee-Rowan Co. and Southwestern Bell.

In addition, many smaller companies and businesses as well as many individuals gave to this year's drive. Every donor deserves a hearty thank you for this outstanding effort.