United Way to launch new campaign in Jan.

Nancy Jernigan realizes times are financially difficult in Southeast Missouri.

Layoffs have been a regular occurrence in the area, and charities are seeing a decrease in giving or are having trouble keeping up with increasing demand for services. But Jernigan believes it is more crucial than ever to lend a helping hand to those in need of encouragement and financial assistance.

"People are cutting back on contributions, and that's the last thing we need to do," said Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. "This is a time to reach out and think about the needs of others."

To help meet that need, the United Way will launch a new giving campaign Jan. 2 to target those who don't consistently donate. "Give $5, Tell Five" will encourage individuals to give at least five dollars and then spread the word about the campaign and organization to five friends. The funds will go toward food, shelter and other basic needs.

This will be different from the United Way's other campaign, the goal for which is set at $1.275 million and ends in March. Jernigan expects the campaign goal to fall short by $55,000 to $75,000.

The launch date for the new campaign had originally been set for Dec. 26 but was delayed so the United Way wouldn't compete with the Salvation Army's kettle drive, which provides funding for certain programs throughout the year.

The Salvation Army also served 410 more Thanksgiving meals than in 2007. About 1310 meals were served Nov. 27.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank reported a 25 percent increase in demand for food for residents in the 16 counties it serves.

"We're noticing that many organizations are seeing a need not seen in years," Jernigan said. "That's why campaigns such as the one we're launching in January are so important."

Jernigan said she hopes lower-income will benefit from money given to the campaign. She believes local companies want to hire qualified workers and that if those individuals can receive help in improving job-related skills, they have a better chance of rising above the poverty level.

Others she hopes will benefit are middle-class people who recently lost their jobs. Some employers laid off large numbers of employees, such as Thorngate clothing manufacturer, which eliminated 350 jobs. Other employers eliminated only a handful of workers. She said workers who are laid off should take advantage of the chance to obtain additional skills through more education.

"We want our agencies that assist these individuals to have more strategic plans on how to help them," Jernigan said. "So we're not giving them fish but teaching them how to fish."

For more information on the "Give $5, Tell Five" campaign, call 334-9634 or visit www.unitedwayofsemo.org.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Have a comment?

Log on to semissourian.com