United Way director sure chapter will meet '05 goal

With two months left in the year, the United Way of Southeast Missouri has reached half of its goal in donations for 2005.

The goal is set at more than $1 million, which is the highest goal ever, said Nancy Jernigan, executive director for the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

"We always set it a little higher each year," Jernigan said. "This area is known for its caring generosity and I think that comes from the generations of families that have settled here."

Although almost half of the United Way's goal still needs to be met, Jernigan believes it will be reached.

The United Way is still waiting on several large campaigns, including Southeast Missouri State University and Procter & Gamble, to turn in donations, Jernigan said.

"We feel pretty confident that we will reach our goal," she said. "A vast majority of the campaigns are experiencing significant increases this year in their donations."

Cape Girardeau city employees donated more than $21,000, which was a 14 percent increase from the last year.

Jernigan believes the hurricanes in recent months made an impact on donation amounts.

"Those hurricanes really showed us how many issues people are facing in the world, she said. "It's really made us all stand up and take notice. We're just very grateful for all of those who are taking part in the United Way's campaign."

Contributions to the United Way of Southeast Missouri can be made by phone, 334-9634, through the mail, 1858 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701 or through its Web site, www.unitedwayofsemo.org.