LETTERS: UNITED WAY SUPPORT APPRECIATED

To the editor:

On behalf of the board of directors of the Area Wide United Way and all of the people of our community, I am writing to thank you and your staff for your support of the United Way.

We are fortunate to live in a community where our local media have such a deep sense of commitment to caring. The financial contribution of the newspaper and its staff made to our 1997 campaign was significant, and we are grateful. Your efforts to raise funds to support local literacy programs through the Y.E.L.L. program are applauded. However, equally important is the impact made through the coverage you provide to the United Way and all agencies and organizations working in our community, and our work in providing a better quality of life for everyone.

It is important that people who live here are aware of the services provided and the work being done on their behalf. Non-profit agencies don't have much of a budget, if any, for marketing and public relations. Contributors want their funds invested in services. The word simply wouldn't get out without your help.

The Area Wide United Way has great plans for significant growth in order to continue to have an impact on health and human-service delivery in our communities. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership with the Southeast Missourian in our efforts. Again, our thanks for your support.

KEVIN GOVERO, President

NANCY L. JERNIGAN, Executive Director

Area Wide United Way

Cape Girardeau