Helping others

When the United Way of Southeast Missouri began its fund-raising campaign last year, it set its goals not based on what it could raise but on community needs.

Last week, the United Way of Southeast Missouri held a celebration marking the successes of this year's campaign, which has raised $75,000 more than last year's campaign. So far, this year's campaign has raised a little more than $1.2 million, just shy of its goal with still time to reach that goal by March 31.

There were some impressive contributions led by Procter & Gamble with nearly $250,000. Several other key contributors increased their commitments to the many United Way programs that address so many needs in our area.

The United Way folks will tell anyone willing to listen that it takes money to fund programs to help our neighbors who need it. But they'll also say it's the people who matter most.

Congratulations to the United Way for raising a record amount this year. And congratulations to all of the programs that put the money to good use every day.