UNITED WAY COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO HELP LOCAL CHILDREN

The Area Wide United Way is seeking donations of school supplies to help disadvantaged children in Cape Girardeau and Jackson prepare for the school year.

Collection stations have been set up at Schnucks, ShopKo and Target stores and will remain through next Friday. Executive Director Nancy Jernigan said shoppers are encouraged to pick up extra packs of notebook paper, rulers, pencils, pens and other school-related items and drop them at the stations.

"It's that United Way thing. If everybody does a little, it adds up to an awful lot," said Jernigan.

All supplies will be distributed to children's funds in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson school districts. Both district's have established organizations that address needs of individual students. In some cases the groups, which receive funding from the United Way, have purchased glasses, medical supplies and clothing for children in need.

"There are a lot of children who come with no supplies," said Jernigan. "If a teacher notices a child is out of supplies, then they'll have access to these and can give them out."

The school supplies drive is one of a number of activities leading up to the United Way's annual fund-raising effort, which officially begins Sept. 16 at the first Southeast Missouri State University home football game. This year's fund-raising goal will be announced Aug. 31.

Some 20 agencies funded by the United Way will gather at West Park Mall Saturday to share information about their services. Special activities, including a takeoff on the popular "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" television show, will be held to show the community who benefits when contributions are made to the United Way.

"It's a way to educate people about programs and services in the community and also let them know they're funded by the United Way," said Jernigan.

The United Way started as a way for community service agencies to participate in a large, community-wide fund-raising campaign. The local organization added a component last year to include working with service agencies in order to avoid duplication and stop people from falling between gaps in service..