United Way annual campaign raises $3.8 million

United Way of the Ozarks announced at a Dec. 15 campaign celebration that it has raised $3,483,000 million during its 2010 campaign, short of its $3,505,000 goal, according to a news release.

The nonprofit announced its goal Aug. 19 during the nonprofit's Day of Caring, when the 2010 campaign started. The campaign celebration marked the ceremonial end of the campaign, but United Way of the Ozarks is still working to meet its goal in the closing days of the year.

"We are thrilled that this campaign has raised this amount of money so far," United Way of the Ozarks Chairperson Maurice Henry said in the release. "As we all know, the uncertainty of the economic environment was a factor that we weren’t sure what affect it would have on this year’s efforts.  

"But once again, the people in this community have recognized the needs and come through for those men, women and children who need help and assistance."

Donation highlights:

• The General Council of the Assemblies of God raised $64,000.
• Arvest Bank raised $11,225.
• the City Utilities employee campaign exceeded its $150,000 goal.
• Kraft Foods' Springfield location raised $102,000, a record for the location.
• CoxHealth raised $98,000.
• St. John's raised $178,000.
• Missouri State University raised $99,500.
• City of Springfield employees raised $100,789, exceeding their goal.
• The annual ANPAC Car Show for Kids raised $24,000 for the nonprofit.
• Associated Wholesale Grocers' inter-office golf tournament raised $24,000.
• The Arc of the Ozarks raised $16,200, a record for its employee campaign.

United Way of the Ozarks started in 1930 and utilizes funds to identify and solve community problems, meet community human service needs, assist health and human services in the area and enhance communications between donors and volunteers. It has more than 60 partner agency programs and serves people in a 14-county area.[[In-content Ad]]