UNITED WAY FUND DRIVE GETS UNDER WAY TODAY

The Area Wide United Way fund-raising campaign begins today with hopes of raising $520,000.

General chairman of the fund drive is Ron Hopkins, a vice president at Commerce Bank. He will be assisted in the fund drive by chairman-elect Donna Hanschen, area manager for CyberTel Cellular.

Last year's fund drive exceeded its half-million-dollar goal, raising $508,655.

Keynote speaker at today's United Way kick-off luncheon is William C. Shores, vice president of Union Electric Co. The luncheon is being held at the Drury Lodge.

Shores has been vice president of regional east since July 1988. He is responsible for customer service, marketing, engineering and construction activities for approximately 300,000 gas and electric customers.

The money raised through the United Way is distributed to 26 area service agencies.

In 1993, United Way contributions helped provide 6,139 first-aid, CPR, aquatic safety and HIV-AIDS classes through the American Red Cross; shoes, clothing, eyeglasses and school supplies for 99 children in Jackson; 3,300 meals per month at the Cape Senior Center; emergency shelter and food for 116 women and 126 children at the Safe House for Women; and other services.

A new agency receiving money in 1995 is FISH Volunteers. FISH provides food and help with utilities, medication and transportation for needs people.