Sikeston/Bootheel United Way kicks off 2019-20 campaign

SIKESTON — The Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way kicked off their 2019-20 campaign Friday afternoon with a luncheon at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston.

Lisa Angle, executive director of the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way, said an emphasis this year is to let people know that the money stays in the area.

“The money raised here, stays here,” Angle said. “A lot of people don’t give because they don’t realize what we raise, we give back to the community.”

Besides a 1% membership fee, all of the money raised will go to local organizations like the Boy Scouts, Delta Area Blind, Foster Grandparent Program, Girl Scouts, Hands of Hope Partners, House of Refuge, Kenny Rogers Childrens Center, nutrition centers of the area, Scott County Transit, Sikeston Cultural Development Corporation, Spread Hope Now and the YMCA of Southeast Missouri.

“All of these agencies we support give back to the community,” Angle said.

The 2018-19 campaign raised about 80% of their goal of $85,000. Angle said this year’s goal is $85,000 as well and she hopes to one day raise it to $100,000.

“Some people don’t give because they don’t have a hundred dollars but every dollar matters,” Angle said, adding that there are 600,000 people in the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way area and if they all gave a dollar they would have $600,000.

With that in mind, Angle encouraged everyone to check out a donation can for people to donate their change.

“All of the nickels, dimes and pennies add up,” Angle said. She said they were planning two can drives, now and around Thanksgiving.

Angle also told those at the luncheon that the Sikeston/Bootheel United Way golf tournament, held in the spring, raised $7,000.

She also challenged those at the luncheon to get three new donors.

“We’ve helped a lot of people,” she said.

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