United Way seeks year-end donations to help meet goal

As the holiday giving season continues, leaders with the Callaway County United Way are hoping area residents will include the community on their list of recipients.

According to a press release, "by supporting the CCUW, you make an investment in your community and in the future for your kids, grandkids and the rest of your family."

Director Kathy Richey Liddle said the United Way is now up to 95 percent of its $280,000 annual fundraising campaign goal, and the organization is hoping end-of-year donations can help put it over the top.

All money raised through the campaign goes to support local service organizations such as SERVE and the Boy and Girl Scouts.

Services funded by the United Way include:

•Home delivered and catered meals for senior citizens.

•Free delivery and use of medical equipment to those in need.

•Scholarships for boys and girls to participate in Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and 4-H.

•Utility assistance for the working poor.

•Legal representation for men, women and children fleeing abuse and neglect.

•Trained advocates to accompany and monitor abused children going through foster care and court rooms.

•Alcohol abuse counseling.

•Food for families who cannot afford it.

•Shelter for displaced persons and families.

•Early childhood education for underprivileged kids.

•One hot meal a day for an employee of Kingdom Projects.

"The services provided by the Callaway County United Way and its agencies are for people next door to you, kids who go to school with your kids, your parents, the people you work with every day," the release states. "Every time you donate, you change a life. Every penny you give helps everyone you know."

Richey Liddle said Tuesday the United Way is, "very appreciative of all the donations we've received so far."

"Our community has really come forth and helped us get to our mission again this year," she said.

Last-minute holiday shoppers can call (573) 642-0536 to make a donation by credit card in honor of a friend or loved one. The honoree will receive a hand-written note in the mail.

All donations to the Callaway County United Way are tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 793, Fulton, MO 65251.