United Way kicks off 'Neighbor to Neighbor' campaign

The Sedalia-Pettis County United Way announced its 2008-2009 campaign Thursday with a goal of $435,000, an increase of $5,000 from last year’s goal.

Each year the goal amount is based on community needs, agency resources and the number of people in the county that each agency serves.

Nearly 100 people attended the luncheon at the First Community Church to begin the campaign effort.

Elle Wasson, executive director of the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way, was very pleased with the number of people who attended. “We had a wonderful turnout,” Wasson said.

George Thomlinson, campaign chairman, showed a three-minute video featuring 28 community members saying why it is important to support the United Way.  

Thomlinson does not think the economy will keep people from donating.

“Given our history and even with hard economic times, I see no problem of reaching this goal,” Thomlinson said.

This year’s theme, “Neighbor to Neighbor, The United Way”, encourages Pettis County community members to support their neighbors just like they would support any other group or organization.

“People give to their church, friends and relatives who are in need and this is no different,” Thomlinson said.

Thomlinson would like to increase the number of donations through the payroll deduction. Donations are taken directly from paychecks in increments from 50 cents to $10 per pay period.

“Overall all when it comes down to it, a dollar or two from a payroll deduction is nothing really,” Thomlinson said.

The Sedalia-Pettis County United Way provides money to 22 agencies.

The Pettis County Child Health Care Team, Pettis County Frail Elderly Fund and Pettis County Children’s Fund receive 100 percent of their funding from the United Way.

The campaign will run through the end of October, or whenever organizers meet the goal.

“The community has always come through, and I know times are hard, but people care about their community,” Wasson said.