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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- United Way Worldwide celebrates 125 years of service.

In order to celebrate the occasion, the United Way of Adair County and Northeast Missouri held a reception Thursday evening at the Kirksville Arts Association. Guests were able to view the Missouri Civil War exhibit on display. The reception also recognized leadership givers, who have donated $250 or more. This year, 150 couples or individuals who have donated to the campaign, up 49 from the previous year.

Executive Director John Dungan said every one in the community benefits from the United Way.

"Anybody whose ever been involved in scouting, or in 4-H, or in the YMCA can certainly tell you what a difference it's made," said John Dungan.  "I know that United Way programs and activities touch over a third of the residents of our service area and really frankly, I would be surprised if everybody in our service area hasn't been touched in some way before by a United Way program, agency or activity."

The United Way of Adair County/Northeast Missouri will kick off its annual fall campaign on Thursday, Sept. 13 with a luncheon on the Truman State University campus.