UNITED WAY TO HOST ANNUAL DAYS OF CARING

During the week of Aug. 25 through 29 area, company employees will give their time for Area United Way agencies. Many area bosses will allow workers to volunteer on company time.

Deena Fischer, chairman for the United Way's third annual Days of Caring, said the weeklong event lets employees see where their company paycheck donations go. Volunteers from area businesses will participate in a variety of activities to benefit one of the 28 area agencies.

"Many employees donate $1 a week to the United Way agencies," she said. "During the Days of Caring they can see what their donations do through volunteering for the agencies."

For the event, United Way agencies select volunteer projects such as painting, building repairs, food delivery or meal preparation for the American Red Cross, Association for Retarded Citizens, Easter Seal Society, Jackson Ministerial Alliance and Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers select the agency for their Caring Week experience.

For those employees who want to volunteer but cannot take time from work, United Way provides opportunities to participate in canned food drives, school supply drives and clothing drives.

Employee volunteers will be honored for their services at the end of the Caring Days Week. A luncheon at the Salvation Army will wrap up the week's activities.

Days of Caring is the kickoff for a season of United Way fund-raising events.

Through raising funds and fund allocations, the United Way coordinates programs and services in the community. The organization has raised more than $9 million in the Cape Girardeau community since 1954.

Fischer said the Days of Caring program is one way to see how United Way helps the community.

"As a kickoff to our fall fund-raising campaign, this event is a way for people to see how United Way is using their money."

Fischer said the costs of raising funds with the United Way are extremely low. For every $1 donated, 85 cents goes directly to support an agency in the Cape

(Girardeau community.)