Thanks to the support of area residents, the Callaway County United Way has less than 10 percent to go to reach its fall campaign goal of $265,000.
"The support of the community has been outstanding so far, and we are sure that we will be able to reach our goal shortly after the first of the year," Executive Director Kathy Richey Liddle said in a press release. "We encourage everyone that has not made a tax-deductible donation to the Callaway County United Way to do so before the end of the year."
Glenn Harris, CCUW president, said Friday that this year's campaign is on track to be another record-breaking year like last year's campaign, which reached goal in the middle of January 2013, and although he is pleased, he is not surprised.
"The generosity of the people in Callaway County has amazed me year after year," Harris said. "They have constantly stepped up to the plate and helped their fellow Callawegian."
He said he is optimistic the campaign will reach its goal soon.
"We're still trying to finish up our business campaign, and we still have a couple employee contribution plans we're waiting on," Harris said.
Money raised through the campaign goes to fund 13 local agencies including Callaway County 4-H, SERVE, Our House, Kingdom Projects, the Callaway County Senior Center and CARDV.
Richey Liddle said the United Way has also created an Agency Crisis Fund for 2014 - $5,000 designated for the agencies to apply to for emergency funds.
"The Agency Crisis Fund will provide immediate relief to agencies stressed by dwindling resources and increased needs that are a result of current economic conditions," the release states. "These funds will be used to supplement services already funded such as food, shelter, utility assistance, etc."
Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 793, Fulton, MO 65251.