IT'S TIME TO GIVE TO UNITED WAY'S $500,000 GOAL

In just a few short weeks, generous donors will either contribute or pledge to give half a million dollars to the Area Wide United Way effort. The $500,000 goal is to provide funding for some 24 agencies that offer leadership, comfort and support for youth programs and individuals in need of special assistance.

This is one of the most important annual fund drives held in the Cape Girardeau area. The programs that benefit from the generosity of the community are important to the mission of helping others.

For the most part, people with jobs find that giving to the United Way is easiest through payroll deductions. Others write checks -- some of them are substantial -- to help the various organizations fulfill their objectives for the year.

A program that allows business people get a close-up look at the work of those agencies is called "A Day of Caring." Area professionals will visit some of the agencies and spend time talking to the folks in charge and visiting with some of the beneficiaries. This year's program is scheduled for Wednesday. It is a good way to learn about what happens to United Way donations.

The United Way hopes to reach its goal by Dec. 1. It is an important objective, and the community's willingness to write checks and check off payroll-deduction forms will spell success for this year's campaign.

Now is the time to make the commitment. Generous support for the United Way's aims is one of the most important decisions to be made. Make that decision today.