United Way of Mark Twain Area leadership promotes ‘Everyone Can Help Someone’ for annual campaign

HANNIBAL, Mo. — This year’s campaign for the United Way of the Mark Twain Area focuses on the concept that “Everyone Can Help Someone.” Though the campaign is held to raise dollars to be invested in local nonprofit organizations, leadership with United Way wants to look beyond just money as something people can give.

In a press release, campaign chair Angela Peters said, “I truly believe that ‘Everyone Can Help Someone’ because everyone can reach out in some way.”

Peters emphasized that helping someone doesn’t have to come in the form of providing monetary donations.

“It may not be through dollars. It could be donating their time or doing something to help someone, whether it’s volunteering or just giving them a helping hand,” she said. “I want people to get out and help others, and we are going to have great opportunities for people to do that throughout our campaign all year long.”

To kick off the campaign, the United Way will talk to each impact agency live on Facebook during the week of Sept. 3-6, where community members can learn about the work of these organizations and find out ways to get involved.

“Our agencies are going to have activities where you can volunteer to partner with them and help out,” Denise Damron, director of the United Way of the Mark Twain area, said. “For example, at the Child Advocacy Center, there will be an opportunity for people to help with their rock garden project. Birthday Blessings will have an opportunity where people can make birthday cards for children in foster care.”

United Way’s leadership really wants to advance the philosophy that ‘Everyone Can Help Someone’ and will be working on providing many opportunities for this throughout the year.

Additionally, this year the organization is rolling out a 100% Giving Recognition for local workplaces where 100% of employees donate financially to United Way, give items to benefit a United Way Community Impact Agency or volunteer through United Way or one of its partner agencies. Those workplaces will be recognized by United Way for putting in this work and receiving this honor.

For community members outside of those involved in a United Way Workplace Campaign, supporting United Way could be as simple as a dinner out, a coffee date, playing golf or a girls’ night out.

The Dine United series and the United Way Coffee Day series, both feature restaurants and coffee shops that designate a day to donate profits to the United Way. Dine United kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Java Jive. A full schedule can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.

The organization is also planning to canvas area four-way stops throughout the fall to encourage community members to give financial support to United Way all while raising awareness of the work the organization does in various local communities. Most people have spare change which adds up.

United Way former board member, Scott Boehmer, is chairing the United Way Golf Tournament set to take place on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 13, at Norwoods Golf Course. Information regarding the tournament can be found at https://unitedwaymta.harnessgiving.org/events/2051

Mom Prom will also return this year at the Rialto in Hannibal at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9. Tickets, now available, are $25 each or $100 for a group of five. A limited number of VIP tables for eight can also be purchased for $320. Learn more about Mom Prom and purchase tickets at https://unitedwaymta.harnessgiving.org/events/2102)

Work is underway for activities planned for the annual United Way Day of Caring in early October and Giving Tuesday events that will take place in early December.

Peters said the ultimate goal of the “Everyone Can Help Someone Campaign” is to create a culture of community support and involvement, where everyone can find a way to make a difference.

“Everyone, every day, can do something for someone. If we can do that, our society as a whole will be better everywhere,” Peters said.