United Way gets to 80 percent of goal

The 2001 fund-raising campaign for the Area Wide United Way has raised about 80 percent of its goal so far, with $696,360 of the hoped-for $875,000 collected.

Executive director Nancy Jernigan said: "Our nation has shown so much consideration to the families that were impacted by our national tragedy," and the community extended their compassion to assisting local needs.

Overall, employee campaigns within individual companies account for an estimated 85 percent of total contributions raised. Those businesses that turned in their campaign results have show significant increases, Jernigan said.

Recent successful campaigns include Southeast Missouri Hospital, which raised $35,123, a 13-percent increase from 2000; Southwestern Bell with $16,291, 23 percent more than 2000; Southeast Missourian with $14,000, a 20-percent increase; the City of Cape Girardeau with $13,019, a 12-percent increase.

Several campaigns are still ongoing, Jernigan said. The fund-raising effort has five divisions: the public service, corporate/employee, professional, patron and special events. Division have their own goals.

"We are grateful to our community for their generous support of our local programs and agencies," Jernigan said. "Even the smallest donation has an impact."

Funds from the 2001 campaign will be used to support 53 programs within 32 different agencies. In addition, the United Way is focusing efforts on the top four community needs identified through a recent community assessment: transportation, affordable housing, youth substance abuse and assistance to low-income families.

Jernigan said many people dug deeper this year.