Season of giving

United Way-funded organizations benefit countless individuals in Southeast Missouri. However, the organization's impact is only as strong as its donors support.

While "hopeful and optimistic," United Way of Southeast Missouri leaders recently announced they are anticipating a decline in contributions from area employees, as much as $125,000 from workplace campaigns. Pledges that have come in currently total 70 percent of the organization's 2010 campaign goal of $1.19 million.

Cape Girardeau County's unemployment figures have remained over 7 percent since June. This affects the organization in both donations received and need of services. Several United Way-supported agencies are seeing record-breaking numbers of people asking for assistance for the first time this year.

The United Way will launch a private gift initiative in January in an effort to reach donors who have not given thus far. However, as the end of the year rapidly approaches, now is the perfect time to make a tax deductible year-end contribution.

If you haven't already donated to the United Way or your employer does not offer a payroll deduction option, consider supporting this organization, which affects the local region in a powerful way.