MANY SERVICES IN NEED OF UNITED WAY SUPPORT

Once again the Area United Way, which helps fund 25 local human-care organizations, is asking for donations. It hopes to raise $500,000 during its 1993-'94 campaign that began this month and runs through October.

The campaign is a worthwhile one. The programs offered by the organizations that get United Way money are varied and comprehensive. They include services for family counseling, health, rehabilitation, recreation, and special assistance for young and old. Indeed, the programs serve many segments of society. Without help from United Way, many of them would not be available.

Last year 10,808 families and individuals received food, shelter, energy assistance, medicine and counseling from four United Way organizations: the Jackson Ministerial Alliance, Salvation Army, Jackson R-2 School Children's Fund, and Habitat for Humanity.

Another 7,401 people received training in CPR, First aid, water safety, and HIV awareness through the American Red Cross, which gets United Way money. And 16,170 boys and girls were served through Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cape County 4-H Council, Cape Girardeau Civic Center and the Civil Air Patrol, other United Way agencies.

Yet another 1,541 members of the armed forces and their families received assistance and support from the American Red Cross and USO.

Residential outpatient detoxification was provided for 557 people by Gibson Recovery Center. Training was provided for 60 preschool children with disabilities, and 40 infant car seats were placed by the Easter Seal Society.

United Way funds were used to provide a variety of programs to between 400 and 500 elderly people through the Cape Senior Center, and Hoover Eldercare Center and Jackson Senior Center delivered an estimated 21,000 meals to homebound people.

These are but a few of the numerous examples of benefits that result from your giving to the United Way.

In addition to the previously mentioned agencies, the campaign also provides funding to the American Heart and American Lung associations, the Association for Retarded Citizens, cancer research, Lutheran Family and Children's Services, radio information service, Safe House for Women, and VIP Industries.

We urge everyone to donate what they can to this year's campaign. Your help will help many others.