It's been stated before, and it's worth stating again: It's the volunteers who fuel the United Way of Central Missouri.
Thousands of area residents over the years have donated their time, talents and money to the umbrella organization that does so much good for our community. Without them, there would be no United Way, and the agencies that it funds would flounder.
Once a year, the agency holds its annual meeting, which also serves as a recognition luncheon. This year, the volunteer of the year was Elizabeth Long, a Salvation Army bell ringer who has staffed the red kettle at Schulte's Fresh Foods for the past 28 years.
Last week we reported that, at 80, she has scaled back, but still volunteers four times a week. Over the years, she has raised more than $180,000 for The Salvation Army. She was honored with the Linda E. McAnany Award.
We appreciate the efforts of every volunteer or donor, but we would specifically like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Long and others who took the time to make a difference in the lives of other people through volunteering.
Other award winners were:
John Kehoe, president of Osage Ambulances, who received the Live United Award for his service to the local United Way. He served more than 20 years as a board member and built participation among employees in the United Way's fundraising campaign at Osage Ambulances to 98 percent.
Donna Scheidt, director of Little Explorers Discovery Center, who received the Ruth C. Meloy Award for distinguished service. The nonprofit center's mission is to provide quality early childhood education services in a caring environment. The center serves primarily low- and middle-income working families. It also provides parenting classes. Scheidt is passionate about serving her clients at the center, United Way President Ann Bax said.
Last year, the United Way of Central Missouri served more than 80,000 people. Among other things, local organizations delivered more than 53,500 meals to elderly people; gave 841 pairs of shoes to low-income children; provided mental health care to 543 people; and provided affordable medical, dental and vision services to 10,200 patients.
We thank the award winners and everyone in our community for being so giving, for improving the lives of their fellow Mid-Missourians, and for making this a better community.