United Way raises money from individuals, groups throughout Southeast Missouri

The United Way of Southeast Missouri serves community needs and works to strengthen families. It sponsors programs that help children succeed in school, help adults learn responsible financial practices and help connect those in need to those who can help.

The United Way's payroll deduction method of donating provides most of its funding and helps make programs like Success by 6, Born Learning and First Call for Help available to residents in Southeast Missouri. The not-for-profit also supports community organizations like Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, the Southeast Missouri chapter of Red Cross and other partners in the community.

During the annual campaign, employees from businesses in Cape Girardeau and its surrounding towns and counties sign up and pledge to support by giving automatically through a payroll deduction.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri focuses on strengthening "the building blocks of a strong family and a good life: Education, Income and Health," according to its mission statement.

"It's all around strengthening family," said Holly Linter, director of development at United Way of Southeast Missouri.