United Way ups goal for campaign

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

SIKESTON -- With Thursday's official launch of the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way's 2011 fundraising campaign comes an increase in its goal.

After exceeding its goal fundraising amount for several years, the local United Way bumped its goal up from $85,000 to $95,000 this year. In 2010, it collected over $91,000 to surpass its $85,000-goal, according to executive director Glenna Shy.

"A new campaign always excites me," Shy said, adding she likes the challenge of reaching the campaign goal.

Increasing the goal was ultimately the feeling of the budget committee -- and approved by the Board of Directors -- to continue providing funds to the existing 16 agencies served by the United Way but also to help them a little more, Shy explained.

The Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way encompasses Scott, Stoddard, New Madrid, Mississippi, Pemiscot, Butler, Bollinger and Wayne counties.

"We have 16 of the best agencies," Shy said.

The Sikeston/Bootheel United Way serves people of all ages through its wide variety of organizations, Shy noted. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Delta Area Blind, the Foster Grandparents Program, House of Refuge for Abused and Battered Women and the Scott County Transit are just a few of the other organizations that rely on United Way funding to make the ends meet.

As in years past, the United Way will again rely heavily on employee payroll deductions to raise funds.

"Last year the payroll deduction was such an addition to our campaign," Shy said.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the local United Way office at (573) 471-0310.

For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.


Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: