Sunday, November 8, 2009 4:08 AM CST

FARMINGTON – Farmington City Light and Water customers will see a new feature on their bills beginning in November. A “check-off box” will give the customer the option to donate to the United Way of St. Francois County.

“This is the first time the city has allowed an outside organization to place a check-off box on its utility bills,” said Greg Beavers, Farmington administrator. He said there has been a check-off box for the “Dollar Help” program through the utility company for a number of years.

Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum proposed placing United Way on the bills and the idea was approved by the administrative services committee of the Farmington City Council.

Landrum said the utility’s 6,000 customers will have the chance to add a dollar to their bills to go to the United Way.

“The United Way has been such a great organization, not only for our city, but for the whole area,” said Landrum. “I hope people will check the box. It’s only a buck and it will help a lot.”

The donation option will remain on the utility bills indefinitely.

The United Way supports agencies that help people in need throughout St. Francois County. The fall fundraising campaign is underway with a goal of raising $135,000 which the United Way has pledged to 25 agencies in 2010.

Residents can also Dine Out For United Way on Thursdays at various restaurants, with a portion of their bill going to the United Way. Beginning Nov. 27, they can also donate through Wishing Wells set up at Farmington Walmart, JC Penney’s and Country Mart in Park Hills. Donations are also made through Pay Pal or credit card at www.unitedwayofsfc.org.

The United Way is governed by a Board of Directors which is delighted with Farmington’s decision to add the “check-off box” option.

“It’s a super idea,” said Mary Lee Faircloth, board president. “I’m hoping every city in our county says ‘We can do that!’”

Beavers said United Way is a good organization for the city of Farmington to partner with to offer donations through the utility billing process because United Way supports so many different types of agencies that meet needs for people in the community.

Agencies that will receive grants from the United Way of St. Francois County in 2010 are: St. Francois County Children’s Dental Health Clinic; St. Francois County Community Partnership;, SEMO Family Violence Council;  L.I.F.E Center for Independent Living; Parkland Foster Adopt Families; Helping Hands of the Southeast Mo. Mental Health Center; Farmington Meals on Wheels for Special Diets; Caring Communities of West County, North County and Central Schools; Habitat for Humanity of St. Francois County; East Missouri Action Agency Back to School Program; Salvation Army; Senior Centers in Bismarck, Bonne Terre, Farmington, and Park Hills;  Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center; Bismarck Church of God Food Pantry; Farmington Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry; Elvins Food Pantry; St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantries in Bonne Terre, Desloge and Farmington; Young Faith in Christ.

To find out more about the United Way of St. Francois County, contact Donna Hickman, executive director, at 573-760-8929 or write to donna@unitedwayofsfc.org.

Archives Web Site Marketplace Obits Babies Jobs