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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- “People’s contributions make a huge difference in the quality of life to people here in our community,” John Dungan Executive Director of United Way Adair County/Northeast Missouri said.

The annual fall campaign began Thursday and will last until mid-December and the organization is hoping to raise $264,781 in the next few months.

Directors, givers and people who have been involved with the United Way gathered for the kickoff luncheon.

Dungan said the luncheon has been going on for years now, but his enthusiasm remains the same.

“What makes me excited to come back every year is that we serve fabulous people throughout the year,” Dungan said. “And, this is the time of year when we get to raise the funds to make those programs happen and so, it’s always exciting to know that what we do now results in great things in the coming year.”

Some of the programs the United Way helps with is the YMCA, 4-H, NEMO Senior Services and the Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

You can donate on the United Way website here, or visit the Kirksville office at 304 S. Franklin St.