Youth United Way raises more than $15K for community projects

Youth United Way members conducted campaigns this year at Central, Jackson, Notre Dame Regional, Saxony Lutheran and Scott City high schools to raise money for support of projects addressing teen pregnancy prevention and youth substance abuse. The group raised more than $15,303 and awarded $9,920 in grants at its annual banquet sponsored by Procter & Gamble and held at Dexter Bar-B-Que in Cape Girardeau. Remaining funds will be used to help families in the community.

The Youth United Way uses teamwork to raise money and serve the community. The group elects its own officers, develops its own policies and takes on the issues it decides are important.

The purpose of Youth United Way is to involve area high school students in the United Way by building an understanding of community needs, instilling a philanthropic spirit, developing leadership skills and realizing the role of United Way in the community. The program gives youths the opportunity to participate in the community in the same way adults do.

For more information, call 334-9634 or visit www.UnitedWayofSEMO.org.