United Way sets another ambitious goal

In the midst of economic uncertainty, the Area Wide United Way raised its goal $20,000 from last year.

Southeast Missouri has been relatively insulated from some of the recent financial blows and harder hit by others. But the people here have shown themselves to have an unbowed capacity to give to worthy causes. In 2001, when uncertainty about the future had our nation on edge, local contributors gave $890,000 -- 15 percent above that year's goal.

Already for 2002, they've given $100,000 of the requested $895,000. The figure was announced at an excitement-packed luncheon last week at the SEMO District Fairgrounds, complete with a skydiver, Elvis impersonator and cotton candy.

The United Way isn't about numbers and percentages and calculations. It's about helping people in need. There are 31 local agencies looking to the United Way for support.

Many local employers offer a payroll deduction program so that workers can give a few dollars a week effortlessly. But anyone can find out more about giving by calling the Area Wide United Way office at 334-9634 or going online at www.areawideunitedway.org.