United Way reaches goal

According to officials with the Kennett chapter of the United Way, the organization has finally reached its goal of the projected amount of $50,000, and all organizations have received its full amount of funding.

The 2011-2012 campaign for the organization began on Sept. 1, 2011 and was expected to run through Aug. 31st of this year. Due to unexpected developments earlier this year, this year's campaign ended with the organization falling $13,000 short of the $50,000 goal.

According to United Way representatives, in February, each agency sponsored by the organization received only 80 percent of the pledged donation due to the lack of funds. D.A.R.E., and the Backpack Program received their full allotment with the others now receiving the balance owed.

Organizations include Helping Hand, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Dunklin Day Activity Center, ICARE (Individual Cancer Assistance Relief Effort), through Dunklin County Caring Council, Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging, Salvation Army, CASA, Migrant Whole Health Outreach, American Red Cross and

Family Counseling Center.

Of the many organizations that help the needy and other worthwhile agencies, the United Way is perhaps one of the largest and most well known. Not only for the easy way in which one can donate through payroll deductions through companies that participate but because it helps to support local organizations right here in our own backyard.

The United Way is itself a non-profit organization dedicated to area people. It is a community wide effort to voluntarily raise and allocate funds efficiently and effectively. It focuses on helping children, and youth and disabled adults achieve their potential as well as the promotion of financial stability and independence.

In the past the organization has raised funds by selling tickets for a gas giveaway, a gun raffle, and an Apple iPad. This year, plans are for a 5K run benefiting the organization. Look for an upcoming article concerning this event.

The Dunklin County United Way 2011-2012 Board of Directors consist of Colleen Pu, chairman, Libby Mobley, vice-chairman, Will Mobley, Julie Spielman, Minnie Sanders, Beth Shetley, Paula Calhoun, Jennifer Nigut, Jim Ingram, Jill Rickman, Sarah Jo Morgan, Lisa Johnson, Susan Luce, Eky Combs, Linda Carver, Kevin Thielemier, Lee Poindexter, Shannon Bellers, Chandler Essary, George Anderson, Meg Benson, Sue New, and Lisa Privett.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or find out more information about becoming a board member may contact Campaign Headquarters, 1601 First Street, P.O. Box 61, Kennett, Mo., 63857 or call (573) 888-5828