Why I donate to the CCUW

I donate to the Callaway County United Way for many reasons; because I know that the agencies funded are thoroughly reviewed, that all the money raised stays in the community, and that our community resources are pooled in order to assist the maximum number of people possible.

As a single parent, there were multiple times that the services of a United Way agency made a significant difference in my life, and allowed me to better support my children.

As a long-time board member and volunteer for the CCUW, I have faith in the commitment and the trustworthiness of the organization and it’s operations. I appreciate knowing that I can help more people by donating money and time to the CCUW via my workplace than I could on my own -- the impact is greater when pooled with others.

I also believe that LIVE UNITED is more than just a catchy phrase.  By helping the CCUW, I help those in my community improve their quality of life.


Please help, and make a donation today!  Information on the many ways that you can give can be found at http://www.callawayunitedway.com/Donate.htm .

Cathi Harris
Westminster College
Fulton, MO
 

The Privilege of Giving Back

As we begin 2014, it is natural to reflect on the past year and the blessings we have received.   Over the holiday season, time with family and friends spent over wonderful meals, unwrapping presents, and simply enjoying time together are all wonderful gifts.

What I found most interesting, however, was that the time of my greatest joy was not unwrapping my own presents but looking at the expressions of surprise and joy when my loved ones opened theirs.  There is something about human nature that simply enjoys seeing others benefit from our thoughtfulness, no matter the occasion, no matter how small.

Several years ago, I went “midnight shopping” with a group of friends from my local service club; picking out presents and buying groceries for those in our community who needed support over the holidays.  I never met the people who opened those presents nor did I see them enjoy the holiday dinner that we provided.  Yet, I felt warm inside thinking that I had made a difference for this family.

Put simply, making others feel good, in turn, makes us feel good.  It is the way we’re built.  I truly feel sad for those whose focus on themselves will not allow them to truly understand the joy of giving.

In my forty years of partnership with the United Way, I have had numerous opportunities to learn of the power of giving back.  It is a truly transformational experience, if you allow yourself to recognize it as such.

For 365 days a year, 24-hours a day, the Callaway County UnitedWay serves our community.  In 2014, immerse yourself in the joy of giving back to those in our community through your time, talent, and treasure invested through the Callaway County UnitedWay.

And, don’t be surprised if you end up being the person whose life has benefited the most by your caring and generosity.

Dan Diedriech
William Woods University

Fulton, MO

Supporting the Callaway County United Way

Having served on the SERVE Board in the past, I know how important the UNITED WAY funding is to 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

What it means to Live United

Being actively involved in this year’s CCUW campaign has been a real blessing.  

Seeing the generous support of community members reinforces our belief that this is a community where neighbors truly care about one another.  We loved the Letters to Santa and the Breakfast with Santa before the holidays.  It was great to see young children and the family members enjoy the breakfast and share the activities together.  

Again, the community turned out for an event that benefited so many others.  Amazing.  This is a perfect example of what it means to Live United.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

Barney and Jane Forsythe
Honorary Campaign Chairs
Westminster College
Fulton, MO

 

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.