United Way Campaign near halfway mark at two weeks out

United Way President Kylee Strough speaking at luncheon. Photo courtesy United Way.

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph still needs to raise $1.5 million to meet its 2017 Campaign goal with just shy of two weeks left to go.

According to a news release, Thursday United Way supporters gathered to hear an up-to-date progress report at the Historic Green Acres Ballroom. This year, volunteers are aiming to raise $3,031,000 by Nov. 2 to benefit agency efforts in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. With two weeks remaining, $1,502,451 had been pledged so far.

“I hope people understand that United Way of Greater St. Joseph has a century-long track record of helping local people meet needs and prevent problems every day,” said Campaign Chair Ron Auxier. “Our community decides how to invest donated dollars in Partner Agencies that serve people here, and our community continues to work hard to make sure donated dollars are used well.”

Pledges may be sent to United Way of Greater St. Joseph, PO Box 188, St. Joseph, MO 64502 or delivered to 118 South 5th Street. To give online, web users can click the GIVE button at stjosephunitedway.org. People are also welcome to call (816) 364-2381 Monday through Friday to make a pledge or to discuss giving options.

United Way of Greater St. Joseph operates seven in-house Initiatives/Programs and supports 17 local Partner Agencies.

The seven United Way Initiatives are: FamilyWize® Prescription Assistance; Financial Stability; Leadership St. Joseph; Profit In Education©; Success By 6®; Unmet Needs Committee; and Volunteer Center.

The 17 United Way Partner Agencies are: Bartlett Center; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Inc.; The CENTER, A Samaritan Center; Children’s Mercy Hospital; Community Missions (CMC); Family Guidance Center for Behavioral Healthcare; InterServ; Legal Aid of Western Missouri; Northwest Missouri Community Services; Pony Express Council, Boy Scouts of America; St. Joseph Safety and Health Council; The Salvation Army; Specialty Industries of St. Joseph, Inc.; United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Missouri; YMCA; and YWCA.