Callaway County United Way has announced a shortfall of $20,000 for the 2020 Campaign year.
That number is far from insurmountable, according to Megan Prenger, CCUW Executive Director.
""If 200 people gave $100 each, we would meet our goal," Prenger said. "If 2,000 people gave only $10 each, we would meet our goal."
According to Prenger, CCUW's board and staff are reaching out to prior and potential donors through phone calls and appeal letters. The nonprofit, which supports 11 charities that serve the Callaway County area, hopes to reach its 2020 goal with this final fundraising push before launching their 2021 campaign.
The agency typically launches each fundraising year in September with the United Way Day & Radiothon in Memorial Park. Last September, CCUW announced a goal of $270,000.
Prenger said COVID-19 put the kibosh on fundraising this year.
"Some people aren't working, and they're nervous about what things will look like for them, whether they'll end up needing this money," she said. "It's understandable. And when you can't fundraise because can't safely put 250 people in a room together, what do you do? It's hard to ask for money right now in the situation we're in."
The CCUW is trying to make up the difference by applying for grants, she added.
According to Prenger, the CCUW and its 12 funded agencies work tirelessly every day to ensure every child has a quality education, every family has a stable income and everyone can enjoy good health. CCUW-supported charities provide everything from transportation for the ill to food for families to a warm bed for the homeless to work for the disabled.
"Our agencies, which were already helping people before, are helping people ten times more now," Prenger said. "We don't want those agencies' budgets to be cut and services to fall short."
The 12 organizations the United Way supports include Callaway County 4-H, the Callaway County Senior Center, Heart of MO CASA, Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association, Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence, Compass Health, Inc., Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, Homemaker Health Care, Callaway County Extended Employment, Mid-Missouri Legal Services, Our House and SERVE.
(Girl Scouts has not opted to continue with United Way in 2021, but will continue to be funded through the end of 2020, Prenger clarified.)
"If the CCUW doesn't reach goal, then at least one if not more agencies that help those in need will have to cut back their funding," said Brian Hughes, CCUW Board President.
Prenger said that CCUW still plans to host its annual kick-off event in September, though it'll look a little different this year. Instead of a car show and cookout in the park, CCUW will be taking orders and delivering barbecue meals throughout the community. The organization is still figuring out whether the Radiothon is possible; it may feature pre-recorded instead of live segments this year to allow social distancing.
The CCUW asks that area residents consider donating to support their friends and neighbors and make the community a better place. Donations can be made by sending cash or a check to P.O. Box 793 in Fulton. Make a credit card donation by contacting Prenger at 573-642-0536; Prenger is also happy to answer any questions.