UNITED WAY KICKOFF SEPT. 9

The Area Wide United Way is looking for volunteers to work on the upcoming 1998 fund-raising campaign.

For those interested in volunteering, an agency tour is planned Aug. 12. The tour will visit VIP Industries, Cape Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army.

"We feel strongly that this tour will make a real impact on people's lives," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way. "We will have a chance to see the real work of the United Way, the work of the agencies we help to support."

Kickoff for the campaign is Sept. 9, but lots of work is done behind the scenes before the start, said Jernigan.

This year an emphasis is being placed on recruiting new volunteers to help with fund raising.

The theme is "The Power of U," and hometown heroes will be in the spotlight. "We will be highlighting the donors, the volunteers and the triumphs of our agencies," Jernigan said.

The goal for the campaign will be raised from the 1997 goal of $550,000. The United Way topped that goal and raised $587,000 last year. The goal will be announced at the kickoff.

"When we look at the businesses and the people in the community, we know there is a lot of potential out there," Jernigan said.

Money raised by United Way is divided among 24 community agencies ranging from the American Red Cross to the Salvation Army, from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the Safe House for Women.

In addition to raising money, United Way will be working this year to raise awareness of how United Way works.

"It's been interesting to me how little people understand about the United Way," Jernigan said. "Some people think we are like any other charity. We've got a real public-awareness job, an opportunity to explain the value of the United Way."

United Way takes individual donations from many people, pools the resources and divides up the money among the member agencies.

"This is another reason to get more people involved," Jernigan said. "As more people join in, they will have contacts with additional people. We can spread the word."

The bulk of campaign contributions come from local employee groups. Volunteers are needed to contact area businesses and help them conduct fund-raising campaigns.

Over 170 employee groups have been identified as potential contributors. A group of 60 volunteers has been working with these groups, but more volunteers are needed.

"We are trying to recruit 170 volunteers. That's our dream," Jernigan said. "We've got all the information, the contacts. Volunteers would need to set up a meeting, spend about 20 minutes talking with the contact, learning what their needs are and offering suggestions."

During the campaign, the volunteers would follow up with the employee groups.

Volunteers Needed

To register for the Aug. 12 Area Wide United Way tour or to volunteer, contact the United Way at (573) 334-9634.