United Way matches children to help

Program fills crucial needs

Dr. Harry Richter examines an X-ray as part of his work with the Dental, Eye and Shoe Program.
Dr. Harry Richter examines an X-ray as part of his work with the Dental, Eye and Shoe Program.

Local banker Alena Ward is also a match-maker. So is Dr. Harry Richter, a dentist, and Jeanie Rademan, a nurse.

They match needy children with services as volunteer board members for the Dental, Eye and Shoe Program, funded largely through contributions to the United Way of Central Missouri.

The program has existed, in some form, for about 40 years, with the three components - dental, eye and shoes - combining in 1986. The service remains unfamiliar to some people, however, because it does not ....