Basic Needs Fund: Now thru Feb. 28

Volunteers for the first-ever United Way kettle campaign raised $5,984.86 over the weekend for the UNITED WAY BASIC NEEDS FUND. This is addition to the $5,545 raised from media promotion since the holidays. That’s a grand total of $11,529.86 to-date.

“It was amazing how many people were so happy to give,” said Director of Development Holly Lintner. “Several people even shared their stories about how they have had to rely on services from Salvation Army before.”

Schnucks Grocery Stores, Kidd’s Convenience Stores, West Park Mall (customer service) and First State Community Banks will collect donations to the UNITED WAY BASIC NEEDS FUND through the end of February.

The UNITED WAY BASIC NEEDS FUND was developed in response to increased community demand for food, shelter and other necessities. Salvation Army is reporting sharp increases in clients, especially from the middle class, as the area has lost hundreds of jobs recently. 1100 individuals asked for assistance for the first time in November, nearly double the 630 they served for the first time in November 2007. Just over 1,300 meals were served on Thanksgiving this year compared to 900 in 2007.

The Ministerial Alliances of Jackson and Scott City are also reporting increased cost for services, more clients, but not increased income. In Jackson, they’ve seen a 19 percent increase in families requesting food assistance over last year. Scott City had an additional 200 families seeking food around the holidays over the same time in 2007.

100% of the money collected for the BASIC NEEDS FUND will provide food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities. No administrative fees are withheld by any agencies with one exception. Online gifts processed by Google Checkout are subject to a 2% fee assessed by Google to all charities.

Contributions to the fund will benefit residents of Cape Girardeau County, Scott City and some from the surrounding area through the Salvation Army, Jackson Ministerial Alliance and Scott City Ministerial Alliance.

Donations can be sent to the United Way of Southeast Missouri, BASIC NEEDS FUND at 430A Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or given online at www.unitedwayofsemo.org.