Helping People: United Way's Mid-Campaign Update

With only one month left until the close of its annual campaign, United Way of Greater St. Louis today reported that it has raised $37.6 million toward its $72 million campaign goal for 2012. The campaign officially ends on November 7.

Greg Boyce, chairman and chief executive officer of Peabody Energy and the 2012 United Way campaign chair, said it was crucial for everyone in the community to give what they can in the final weeks of the fundraising campaign to generate the resources needed to help the growing number of people in need. 

“We are at a critical point in this year’s United Way campaign,” said Boyce. “We knew this would be a challenging year for the campaign due to the current economic climate and the Presidential election. This is why every gift, no matter the size, is important. We want to ensure that those who need assistance receive it. Our community steps up time and again and I am confident that this year will be no exception.”

Boyce continued, “We’d like to thank those who have already contributed, and to remind those who haven’t pledged that it will take everyone’s support to ensure that those who need help in our community have access to the vital health and human services provided by United Way funded agencies.”

United Way supports more than 170 agencies in 16 counties in the region that offer services that are necessary to improve and sustain lives. These agencies are seeing an unprecedented demand for services and many are finding it difficult to keep pace with the increased need.

“Through our 2-1-1 help line and the agencies we support, we’re seeing people who have never asked for help before asking,” added Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “It will take several years for those affected by the economic downturn to recover. By giving to United Way, you can be assured your donations are wisely invested in agencies to help people with basic needs and more.”

To give to United Way, call 314-539-4101 or go online to helpingpeople.org and click on “give.” Your gift will enable one in three people in this region to receive help through United Way.

To find resources if you or someone you know is in need, please dial 2-1-1 from a land line or 800-427-4626 or go online to www.211helps.org.

More than 90 cents of each dollar donated to United Way of Greater St. Louis goes to provide services to help people in this community. United Way invests more than $1 million each week throughout its service region.