United Way on the way to reaching goal

The United Way of Southeast Missouri has only missed its fundraising goal one time, and it doesn't plan on a repeat performance.

So far United Way can count on $1.22 million and have another $38,000 waiting in the wings to be officially donated at the end of February putting it at 95 percent of its goal, according to director of development Holly Lintner.

The money raised so far beats last year's total by more than $39,000. Lintner attributes the generosity to the new incentive programs the United Way implemented this year.

Donors have the chance to win prizes such as a grocery spree, free gas and a plasma television. The winners will be drawn at the United Way Campaign Victory party, scheduled for March 12.

Employee contributions have provided a large chunk of the money. Lintner said the hospitals and Procter & Gamble top the list of big employee campaigns.