We like that the United Way of Central Missouri, at a Tuesday news conference, showed the community some of the good it does with their support before announcing its new fundraising goal.
The umbrella social welfare agency announced the distribution of more than $100,000 in Community Support Grants.
As we reported Wednesday, the agency presented 19 grants — intended to fight for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of people in Central Missouri — to nine partner agencies and 10 other health and human services organizations. The grants are in addition to more than $1.36 million the organization has committed to distribute to partner agencies in 2018.
This year’s fundraising goal is an even $2 million, not a whole lot more than last year’s total of more than $1.875 million. We have little doubt that the United Way will make that goal for three reasons:
• The United Way proves itself to be a worthy agency year after year. It has been a constant source of help and betterment for widespread segments of our community, and it has been a good steward of the donations people have given.
• Our community, as we have said before, is an extremely giving community. The largest segment of employees in Jefferson City are state workers. And despite receiving little or no raises year after year, they give a staggering amount to the United Way and other charities each year. Last year, we reported Missouri state workers donated more than $1 million to the Missouri State Employees Charitable Campaign for the 14th year in a row.
• The campaign always has had a dedicated, hard-working leadership team. This year, that team is led by Ryan Freeman, in his second year as co-chair, and Missy Dunn.
We look forward to another successful campaign, and we urge area residents to continue to donate generously.
News Tribune