UNITED WAY REACHES 30 PERCENT OF 1998 GOAL

The Area Wide United Way has raised 30 percent of its $625,000 goal.

So far, $188,407 has been raised. Procter & Gamble Co. is responsible for a significant portion of this week's increase with its corporate contribution of $77,700.

Union Planters Bank, Delta Companies and Lone Star Industries also helped raise the total with corporate contributions. Employees at NationsBank doubled contributions to their employee campaign over 1997, and Wal-Mart in Jackson tripled its 1997 employee campaign total.

All divisions of the fund-raising campaign are experiencing increases.

"We are pleased with response from the professional community this year," said Dr. John Holcomb, co-chairman of the professional division along with Rich Payne.

Employee campaigns have been creative this year. For instance, employees at St. Francis Medical Center who contribute to the United Way have a chance in a contest to shave the beard of medical center president and chief executive officer Jim Sexton.

Twenty-five agencies will be funded with contributions from the 1998 campaign. Among agencies that provide services for the elderly:

-- APPLE, Applications, Personal Papers, Legal and Environmental, offers free paperwork assistance for adults 60 and older.

-- Cape Senior Center promotes well-being of those 60 and older through nutrition and social interaction. Over 42,000 meals are provided annually at the center and through homebound meal delivery.

-- Hoover Eldercare provides adult day care and supportive services to people 60 and older.

-- Jackson Senior Center provides services to people over 60 to improve their quality of life. Services include a food pantry for low-income seniors, a phone reassurance program and meals for homebound seniors.

-- RSVP, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, recruits and places retired people in volunteer services to maximize seniors' talents and work skills. The volunteers assist in 96 work stations varying from schools to law enforcement agencies.

-- Scott City Nutrition Center provides services for adults 60 and older including health promotion, education, health screening, recreation and social contact. In addition, the center provides meals at the center and to homebound seniors.

Campaign updates are also available at the United Way's Web site:

rosecity.net/unitedway