Even though the economy had hit a lull and jobs were harder to come by, two months ago the University set its most aggressive goal ever — $500,000 — for the United Way campaign.

And the faculty and staff has come through. So far, funds raised total more than $502,000.

Ann Prenatt

"This is an especially difficult time for many in the St. Louis region, so we are especially grateful for the continuing generosity of our faculty and staff members," said Ann Prenatt, vice chancellor for human resources and campaign chair. "We are still receiving pledge cards, so we have high hopes of surpassing our largest campaign total of $506,000."

People can be rest assured that their contributions are going to the intended places. Fully 90 percent of contributions to the United Way of Greater St. Louis goes directly to providing services for people in the community, making it one of the highest assistance rates in the country.

The region is on top in another area, too. Despite being just the 18th-largest metro area in the nation, St. Louis is eighth in terms of support for the United Way.

The United Way provides assistance to more than 200 health and human service organizations in Missouri and Illinois, with one in three people in the region being helped by a United Way-assisted organization.

"I want to thank our campus campaign co-chairs and our many volunteers for their hard work in driving another successful fund-raising effort for the United Way," Prenatt said. "So many people will receive services through the United Way-funded agencies that, if it were not for the financial support of the United Way, could not exist."