A giving spirit: Students raise funds to help their communities

The United Way of Southeast Missouri formed the Youth United Way in 2002 to involve area high school students in the United Way to build an understanding of community needs and instill philanthropic spirit. Students will participate in school-based United Way campaigns and, with board approval, allocate these funds to community grants they determine are high priority issues. Students will also promote community volunteer opportunities within their schools.

In October the annual school campaigns are highlighted with an award ceremony during the Central versus Jackson high school football game. Awards will be given to the school that raises the most funds per student; the largest increase in total dollars raised over the previous year campaign for employees and students; and the school district with the largest per capita giving level among staff. The students share fund-raising ideas, including gas card raffle, penny wars and T-shirt sales.

A student from each sophomore, junior and senior class makes up the Youth United Way. Schools participating include Central, Jackson, Scott City, Notre Dame Regional and Saxony Lutheran High School.

Youth United Way members include Anna Bailey, Carsen Bahn and Lorrin Lynn of Central; Bailey Duncan, Kelley Kasten and Sam Sander of Jackson; Mustafa Burny, Jordon Voss and Sara Shafer of Notre Dame; Danielle Leible, Jackie Hoehn and Cassie Wills of Saxony Lutheran; Maurina Matlock, Kristin Yetman and Courtney Pendergrass of Scott City.

For more information, visit: www.unitedwayofsemo.org.