United Way's goal

One million dollars.

It sounds like a huge amount of money to most people, but the United Way of Southeast Missouri is seeking that much to help its 32 agencies in the region.

Residents and employees in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Perryville and Scott City and surrounding areas have been asked to help raise $1 million for community agencies that serve the poor, elderly and children with special needs.

Even though $1 million is a large sum, the United Way knows that it is not only possible to raise that much, but possible that the goal will be exceeded. Each dollar is needed.

When the United Way announced its first $1 million campaign goal two weeks ago, officials weren't just hoping to reach the $1 million mark. The United Way has considerable confidence such a goal can be achieved. After all, the region has done it before.

The 2003 campaign goal was $935,000, and generous contributors pushed the amount collected over the $1 million milestone.

Nearly $70,000 of the 2004 goal already has been raised through campaign contributions from some businesses in the area.

But it will still take plenty of work and education to make people realize how important the United Way is to the communities and agencies it serves. The money raised by the United Way stays in the area, supporting more than 40 programs in those 32 agencies served by United Way in Southeast Missouri.

And the agency's reach continues to grow. Marble Hill has been added to the communities that are helped by the United Way.

Since 1954, United Way volunteers have raised a total of $14 million. As the United Way marks its 50th anniversary, the community should consider ways it can help celebrate and support the United Way for the good work it does.