During the days leading to Christmas, we have enjoyed telling stories about how your generous charitable contributions are enriching the lives of people in our community.
We met Jennifer Jones, who, after tragically losing her husband and not being able to work due to difficulty finding child care, found reliable, affordable child care at Little Explorers Discovery Center.
Matt Burris, who was discouraged by thinking he would never be able to work due to his anxiety and depression, but is now thriving and excited to work every day at Capitol Projects.
Cheyenne Hershey, who struggled with addiction, became homeless and ended up in jail before coming to Jefferson City and finding a new, happy and healthy life with help from Dreams to Reality.
Cayden Mitchell-Overstreet, who needed somewhere to go after school and found that, along with so much more, at the Boys & Girls Club.
Kennedy, a 5-year-old girl who almost didn't survive the first 15 months of her life but has overcome many obstacles thanks to the Special Learning Center.
And Terez Tomka, who struggled with mental health issues but learned how to manage them with support from Compass Health, which she says saved her life.
Their stories are a few of thousands. Last year, 109,171 lives were touched by the United Way and its partner agencies, according to the United Way website.
The United Way of Central Missouri serves people in Cole, Moniteau, Miller, Osage, Camden, Maries, Morgan and southern Callaway counties. It 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.
The United Way's annual fundraising campaign amassed more than $2.4 million this year, exceeding the goal and continuing about a decade of record-setting efforts.
"I'm so proud of our community," said Ann Bax, president of the United Way of Central Missouri. "We talk a lot about if everybody gave a dollar a paycheck, what that could look like. Everyone has the capacity to help in different levels, and the beautiful thing is if everybody gives to the level they have the ability to give, that's how we reach a $2.3 million goal."
The "A Christmas Wish" stories have allowed us to offer a glimpse into how your contributions are changing the lives of others this Christmas season. We hope they brought awareness to the work of the United Way's partner agencies and how the community has changed thousands of lives by working together.
How to donate
The United Way will establish an “A Christmas Wish” fund, and donors can give a gift “in the name of” someone specific or a United Way partner agency.
In order to be tax-deductible, checks must be made payable to the United Way of Central Missouri and the United Way must retain the right to specifically determine whom the donation will benefit.
A volunteer committee will oversee the distribution of these funds. If you want to help fulfill a Christmas wish in Mid-Missouri, mail checks to United Way of Central Missouri, 205 Alameda Drive, Jefferson City, Mo., 65109. “News Tribune Christmas Wish Fund” should be noted on the memo line of the check.
Questions may be directed to Ann Bax, president of United Way of Central Missouri, at 573-636-4100 or [email protected].