United Way campaign deserves community support, donations

The United Way recently kicked off its annual campaign with a bit of fun and a bit of seriousness.

Decked out in boxing gloves, several United Way supporters kicked off the campaign with the motto, “United We Fight, United We Win.”

The phrase captures the essence of many in our community who are fighting against poverty. There are children fighting educational difficulties. Seniors fighting ailments to retain their independence.

And the United Way of Southeast Missouri addresses these things by funding programs that put volunteers and resources in the corners of those who are struggling.

Whether it’s filling backpacks for children who may not know where their next meal is coming from, or helping the Salvation Army feed the homeless, or teaching adolescents what healthy relationships and respect looks like, the United Way does a lot of good work in our communities. Ninety-nine percent of the donations you make stay in our region.

Last year, United Way assisted nearly 33,000 people, including infants, children, working parents and senior citizens, executive director Elizabeth Shelton said.

If you do not already support the United Way, we encourage you to find out more about this organization and the programs it supports. We believe it puts your dollars to good use in the community.