KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- You've probably seen the United Way signs and thermometers around town now that the 2010 campaign is underway.

October is the key month to solicit donations and raise the most money toward the campaign goal.

The Adair County United Way set a goal of $275,000, the same as last year.

So far they've raised just over 30% of that goal.

“The idea of ‘many hands make light work’ I think is an issue or an idea that can be used through the United Way campaign.  The more we have attempting to collect, the easier it is.  More people we can contact, more funds we can collect,” said 2010 Campaign Co-chair Sam Berendzen.

Although October is the focus month of the campaign, donations are received through the entire year.

“As new members of the Kirksville community are of the things that has impressed us the most has been the volunteerism that we've seen throughout the community from the college students to volunteers at various agencies helping everywhere in the community they can, that probably has been one of the biggest impressions that I have found as we moved here to Kirksville two years ago,” said 2010 Campaign Co-char Barbara Berendzen.

Berendzen says volunteers are always needed and she encourages everyone to volunteer their time and money in some way.  You can call the Adair County United Way at 660-665-1924.

Here is a list of the upcoming events:
October 16th – Community Opportunities Raffle for ¼ side of beef and gift card
October 17th – VSS House Pin Sale at Healthy Woman event
October 24th – Salvation Army Thrift Store Day
October 24th – Boy Scout Hot Dog Stand – Salvation Army parking lot – 10:30-1
October 24th – Red Cross Apple Day for United Way – Wal-Mart & Hy-Vee
October 30th – Funding Applications Due
November 6th – Blackout Ends
November 9th & 10th – Grant Hearings – Mo. Dept. of Conservation
November 21st – YMCA Turkey Trot 5k/10k Run