Over the past week, the News Tribune's annual "A Christmas Wish" series has highlighted the stories of some of the Mid-Missourians whose lives have been improved by the work of charitable organizations that are United Way of Central Missouri partner agencies.
We've met Sayan Nieland, a 4-year-old with cerebral palsy who, after being adopted from India, began attending the Special Learning Center where the new experiences, therapy and special-education services transformed his quality of life.
Cindy Bunch, who was able to adopt and raise her grandson thanks to assistance from Compass Health Network, who she has come to rely on for health care, food resources and support.
Harold Struemph, who suffered a severe neck injury that left him almost paralyzed but who is doing well and able to maintain his life in his home thanks to the Senior Nutrition Council's home-delivery program.
Shirley Saville was homeless in St. Louis and came to the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Jefferson City where the staff connected her with therapy, case management services, a housing voucher and health care to treat her brain tumor.
Maycee Oliver, a 10-year-old girl with autism whose reading, communication and social skills have tremendously improved thanks to the Boys & Girls Club.
And Melissa Small, who needed child care and a job and found both at Little Explorers Discovery Center, where she volunteered in high school.
Their stories are a few of the thousands that exist in the Capital City.
The United Way of Central Missouri, through the work of its 28 partner agencies, typically serves 100,000-110,000 people a year.
United Way helps fund its 28 partner agencies while working to streamline the work of the charitable services it supports to make them as effective as possible.
Its annual fundraising campaign amassed $2.3 million this year, exceeding the goal by more than $100,000. In addition to being used to fund partner agencies in the next year, this money will be used to distribute community support grants to other Mid-Missouri agencies.
"Because our community has supported us so greatly, we've been able to consistently do what we call community support grants," Bax said.
Along with the more than $1.5 million in funding to its agency partners, the United Way had two grant cycles this year instead of one because its agency partners have still seen a surge in demands from the pandemic.
It distributed $400,000 total in grants -- $150,000 to its agency partners and $250,000 to other agencies in its nine-county service area, which could include its partner agencies as well as non-partner agencies in health, education, financial stability and basic needs.
The "A Christmas Wish" stories have allowed us to offer a glimpse into how your contributions -- which lifted the campaign beyond its goal -- are impacting the lives of others.
"I think it's really heartwarming for the community to see those people whose lives have been helped, and it helps people remember that there are still people out there who need help," Bax said.