United Way's goal

Religious, civic and governmental agencies in Southeast Missouri provide aid and assistance to individuals and families in need, and the numbers seeking help are growing. Agencies supported by the United Way of Southeast Missouri are seeing more people seeking help for the first time, according to executive director Nancy Jernigan, and they are dealing with record numbers.

All of this is an indicator of the slow turnaround in the overall economy, leading United Way to take a realistic approach in setting fundraising goals for the 2010-2011 campaign. This year's goal, announced last month, is $1,019,744. The previous campaign goal was $1,200,000, and that effort raised $1,142,858.

The new campaign goal was determined after visiting with the top 20 companies that contribute the most to the United Way. There are 150 companies in Southeast Missouri that hold United Way campaigns and offer payroll deductions for contributions. In setting the new goal, United Way officials took into account the expectations of these major contributors, which generate about 70 percent of the total raised each year.

United Way continues to provide key support to agencies that touch the lives of young and old. As this year's campaign unfolds, please consider making as generous a donation as possible to help those who need assistance.