Holiday Season Message for 2013

Dear Friends:

During the holiday season I find myself focusing on the people in my life and how thankful I am to be surrounded by such loving, caring people.  My family is constantly supporting me and my endless pursuit to stay busy.  If it wasn’t for my family I don’t know how I would get through most days.  But family extends beyond your blood line.  For instance, I have a family at my job.  We all work together toward a common goal support each other through those endeavors. 

Then I think about my larger family that is the Callaway County Community.  The outpouring of support and caring that I have seen in this County astonishes me every year.  Not because I’m surprised that they care, but because every year the people in this county, even those who may not have the resources to share, continue to step up to the plate and support their fellow Callawegians. 

Once again, in 2013, the Callaway County United Way had a record Radio-thon.  In one day, we raised roughly $170,000!  Now, closing in on the end of the year, we are within 10% of meeting our goal of $265,000.  This is the highest goal the CCUW has ever set and we are further down the road than we have ever been at this time in our fundraising.  For this reason, I cannot put into words the depths of my gratitude for the support you have shown this year. 

That being said, I have to remind myself that the last 10% is the hardest to secure.  During this Holiday Season, I ask that you remember those that may need a hand.  The Callaway County United Way helps over 20,000 people in Callaway County every year.  Dollars count whether it is $1 or $100.  If you have not made your tax deductible donation for 2013, please keep us in mind and help us make a difference and continue to Live United.  To my Callaway County Family:  Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year! 

Glenn Harris

CCUW President

Fulton, MO      

                   

A Living Wage in Callaway County

Do you wonder how much money it takes to live in Callaway County?  Are you curious about where you can get help making ends meet?

There is a living wage calculator that shows information for the entire United States.  If you follow this link you can see the results for Callaway County by various categories, family size, etc.

Some things to keep in mind when viewing the information:

• The living wage shown is the hourly rate that an individual must earn to support their family, if they are the sole provider and are working full-time (2080 hours per year). 
• The state minimum wage is the same for all individuals, regardless of how many dependents they may have. 
• The poverty rate is typically quoted as gross annual income. We have converted it to an hourly wage for the sake of comparison. 
• Wages that are less than the living wage are shown in red. 

The Callaway County United Way funds nearly 200 programs and services through 13 agencies that can help in various ways.  Check out our website or contact us for more information.

 

Free Tax Help, plus!

Tax season is just around the corner!

You may already know that the Callaway County United Way provides funding for nearly 200 programs and services in our area.  However . . .

Are you aware that we have a partnership with My Free Taxes?  Provided by the United Way, National Disability Institute and Goodwill, My Free Taxes helps folks with the following criteria file online for free.

If you are an individual or a family with a combined income under $58,000 (for 2013), have a valid email address and your income forms (W2, 1099, 1098, etc.), you are eligible!  Go to the website for My Free Taxes, and get started today.

If you have questions about other services we offer, check out our website.



The importance of the Callaway County United Way

Those of us that are board members or regular volunteers for the Callaway County United Way (CCUW) understand the good that is being done each day by our agencies.

During a recent employee campaign, we asked members of the faculty and staff of Westminster College why they thought providing support to the CCUW was beneficial to our community.  We got many different answers, and learned something new from each person's perspective. Here is one of the responses we received:

 Having served on the SERVE Board in the past, I know how important the UNITED WAY funding is too many organizations in our community.  From Head Start to Scouts to our Homeless Shelters, the Kingdom Projects Sheltered Workshop and more, the CALLAWAY COUNTY UNITED WAY makes a positive difference improving the daily lives of many of our friends and neighbors.  

– Angela Grogan, Director of Library Services & Assistant Professor, Westminster College, Fulton, MO

The CCUW exists to help those right here in our county -- our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers and family -- and the need is great.  Won't you please join us in providing much needed help today?  Visit the CCUW website for more details.  Thank you!

Why I give to the CCUW

I began giving to the United Way over 30 years ago, via payroll deduction.  It was something my employer encouraged, and they made the process simple.  I knew if I gave in this way, I could help others without missing the money.  Even though my employers have changed over the years, I’ve continued this practice – every year. 

Why do I give to the United Way?  While payroll deduction makes it easy, I give for several reasons.  One, I’m helping the people with whom I share a community.  United Way funds stay local – so I’m helping my neighbors, my friends, my coworkers.  Two, I have been personally touched by several United Way agencies.   From CARDV, to SERVE, to the Salvation Army – I’ve seen firsthand how much someone can benefit from these agencies.  And three, it makes me feel good to know I make a difference in my home community.  I live here.  I like the fact that I can make a difference where I live.

I hope you will join me in helping make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, our friends, and our coworkers through the Callaway County United Way.   Check out the many ways to give.

Thank you.

Sharon Mather

Fulton, MO

Holiday Stress

               As the end of the year draws near, charity is not always the first thing on our minds.  Stress, travel, expenses, pressure, shopping, families – all of these can be a part of our “favorite” time of the year.  So, we’d like to alleviate ONE stressor from your holiday season.  We’d like to show you how to help your fellow man and not write a check to the Callaway County United Way (although we will graciously accept your donation any time of year J).

               Do you shop on Amazon?  Has it become one of your go-to online stores?  You know you can buy books, e-books, baby gifts, Christmas gifts, music, electronics, jewelry, healthcare items, vitamins, clothing, shoes, musical instruments, video games, power tools and wine on Amazon?  In fact, we haven’t found anything you CAN’T buy on Amazon.  And, most shipping is free!  So how on earth, you’re asking, does this matter to the Callaway County United Way?  Let us show you. 

Visit Smile.Amazon.com.  It’s the same Amazon you’ve loved, offering the same great prices on the same great products, except you get to choose the Callaway County United Way as your charity of choice.  Every purchase you make will send a donation our way.  No need to sign up for a separate account…you use the same Amazon account you always have.

               It’s win-win.  You get to do all your holiday shopping from the comfort of your home (you can Christmas shop in your fuzzy slippers, if you want to), you get to have a great selection of products literally at your fingertips, and, best of all, you get to alleviate a touch of holiday guilt by helping out the Callaway County United Way.  So what are you waiting for?  Start shopping.  Visit Smile.Amazon.com today.  You’ll be amazed.

Kickoff 2013

All of us at the Callaway County United Way are gearing up for the biggest event in our year: The Campaign Kickoff!  This year it will be broadcast live on @Zimmer Radio Group's Fulton station - @TheBig900KFAL.  And everything is happening at the Fulton Wal-Mart on North Bluff Street starting around 8 in the morning and going until 9:00pm or so.


Here are just a few of the things you can enjoy at this year's celebration:

• The Callaway Cruise - a car and motorcycle show for any and everyone.  Begins at 5pm and awards will be handed out about dark.
• Online Auction - featuring both local and regional items, sports memorabilia, celebrity photos and keepsakes, and much, much more.
• Red Cross Blood Drive
• Penny Drive Results
• Special Guest Interviews
• Callaway's Finest BBQ
• Live Entertainment
• Check out everything here!

It is always a blast.  Everyone always has a great time and we're striving to beat last year's total - over $100,000!  Hope you and your family can - hold that - hope you and your family WILL join us!  We need your help to make this a better community, and based on extensive research, exhausting analysis and multiple meetings, we've come up with the only solution to the problems facing us in Callaway County every day.  The solution is YOU!