STUDENTS HELP UNITED WAY DRIVE THROUGH HARD WORK, DONATIONS

Kent McCormick couldn't remember exactly how much he dropped into the United Way milk jug, but the Clippard Elementary second-grader knew exactly how he raised the money.

"I mowed lawns and did some jobs after school," McCormick said after receiving a few gentle nudges from his teacher, Dawn Smith. Was it hard work, Kent? "Not really, I do it all the time," he said.

McCormick contributed $32 to United Way, a feat that gained the attention of Clippard Principal Richard Giles. "When he brought in a $20 bill, I thought I had better call home and see if this money was from Kent or his parents," Giles said. "They told me he earned every bit of it, so I thanked him."

McCormick's contribution was slightly less than one-third the amount his class contributed to the United Way. Smith's class collected $98.56 for United Way.

Each classroom contained milk jugs designated for United Way contributions, which were collected throughout the week.

United Way Campaign Chairman Ron Hopkins presented the school with a plaque to recognize the donation. "You're helping 26 agencies in the Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City areas with your United Way contributions," Hopkins said. "Some of those are youth groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H Council."

Rhonda Knepp's fifth-grade class raised the highest total of $103; Terri Jones' fourth-grade class was second with $101.99.

Students found various ways and means to earn money for the United Way project. Some of them did jobs, and one student contributed money his family won when they went on a gambling casino.

Hopkins said the last report showed the United Way has raised $257,000 from Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City. "Our goal is $520,000," Hopkins said. "Thanks to the Clippard School, we're closer to realizing that goal."

Clippard Elementary is the only grade school in the area that conducted a United Way drive. "It's the only one to my knowledge," Hopkins said.