ST. LOUIS, MO (October 20, 2009) —  United Way is reporting it has raised $45.1 million toward its goal of $66.5 million to help people in the greater St. Louis region. The campaign will close on November 12.

“The dollar goal simply represents the amount of help and support we can provide to people in our community,” said Hugh Grant, 2009 United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign chair and president and chief executive officer of Monsanto Company. “Our real goal is to help people in need. As of today we’re at nearly 68 percent of our goal, which emphasizes the generosity of the people of this region.”

Grant continued to say, “We are seeing a very generous and giving attitude in the community even in this economy. We believe this is because the needs are so obvious this year as everyone knows someone who is impacted by the economy and needs help–many for the first time in their lives. Our major challenge this year is that although people are being generous, some people who have given in the past are unable to because they need help this year. For example, calls to United Way’s 2-1-1 help line for basic needs–food, utilities and the like–are up more than 20 percent from a year ago. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

That’s where United Way comes in. With the funds from its campaign, United Way of Greater St. Louis is able to invest more than $1 million each week in this region to help people through a network of nearly 200 local health and human service agencies it helps fund.

“Eighty five percent of agencies United Way funds have reported an increase in demand for services this year–agencies like St. Louis Area Foodbank that helps more than 500 food pantries in the area keep food on their shelves,” Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way said. “Those agencies and the people they help rely on United Way for continued support. A gift to United Way means seniors will find assistance to stay in their homes; parents will have a safe place for their children to go after school and families will have a place to get food. We are optimistic about the campaign despite the challenges because we know that we live in an extremely caring and generous community,”

To lend a hand and give a gift to United Way to help more than 1 million people in this community, please go online to www.stl.unitedway.org or call 314-539-4101. To find resources if you’re in need, please call 2-1-1 from a land line or 800-427-4626 or go online to www.211missouri.org.

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than 1 million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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