United Way of the Mark Twain Area

On this very cold morning, we know and understand that all local livestock farmers are heroes as they go out and do chores, but this week United Way honored Joe Kendrick as the Hero of the Year! Joe Kendrick, a local farmer who raises hogs for JBS Pork, came to Untied Way in April with the opportunity to have 100 hogs donated to local senior centers and food pantries if dollars for processing could be found. JBS Pork was facing a situation at their processing plants where th...ey could not take the normal amount of hogs. Kendrick had been instructed to euthanize hogs that were under weight or didn’t meet other specs. However, he knew there was a better way as he knew local food pantries were seeing a large increase in the number of individuals turning to them for help. Kendrick had been told by JBS Pork that if he could find a place to have the hogs processed they would be willing to donate the hogs. United Way was able to connect with Continental Cement and Green America Recycling. The organizations stepped up with funding for the project. The hogs were taken to Central Missouri Meats & Sausage in Fulton, Mo where they were processed. Brian Gaines, owner of Brain Gaines Trucking in Bowen, Il volunteered to go pick up the pork from the hogs and bring it back to Hannibal. This resulted in 8,600 pounds of pork being distributed to area food pantries and senior centers. In June, the same opportunity arose for another 100 hogs to be donated from JBS Pork. Together with Farm Bureau, a connection made by Kendrick, United Way helped distribute pork from these hogs to local food pantries and senior centers. Kendrick’s actions resulted in over 450 hogs being donated from JBS Pork to food pantries throughout the state which brought press coverage from the Governor. In total, enough pork for nearly 80,000 meals came to the United Way to distribute to area food pantries and senior centers. United Way is honoring Joe Kendrick as our United Way Hero of the Year for his actions of feeding thousands in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Enjoy doing chores today Joe!

In our community we do not have a homeless shelter. Local social service agency directors receive a large number of requests for hotel stays from individuals facing homeless situations and/or individuals who do not have utilities turned on. In these temperatures it clearly is unsafe to stay outside. To my knowledge, there is no overnight warming center setup in the community. There are individuals who are homeless and are sleeping out in the elements. Together, we can provide... individuals with a safe, warm place to sleep. The Tri-County Alliance (which United Way oversees fiscally), has launched a Love Thy Neighbor fund to provide hotel stays for individuals needing a place to stay during this terrible weather. Is a hotel the best solution? No. But, it gets people inside out of the elements. A week’s hotel stay costs $200. Would your church, business, or civic organization step up and fund one week for an individual or family in need? Help individuals in our community - GIVE TODAY! https://unitedwaymta.harnessapp.com/wv2/campaign/3637

At our Annual Meeting this week, United Way honored the Hannibal Board of Public Works as the Business of the Year. HBPW participated in the United Way Campaign for the first time with staff contributing over $7,000 to the BE A HERO Campaign. In addition, the organization participated in a United Way Day of Caring at a building purchased by the Salvation Army in hopes it will become the Salvation Army’s new Social Services building. Employees helped take out old bathroom fix...tures, took up old flooring, removed walls, and more. Additionally, employees with HBPW volunteer frequently with many United Way Agencies including the HAYS Program helping pack Buddy Packs and more. United Way’s Board of Directors selected the Hannibal Board of Public Works as the Business of the Year for helping the mission of United Way come to fruition within the community! See more

Thank you to the Hannibal Courier-Post & hannibal.net for the great coverage of our Annual Meeting yesterday! https://www.hannibal.net//article_32703e46-88d6-56e2-ac2a-

At United Way, we are proud of the accomplishments of our organization throughout this past year! Check out our Annual Meeting video to personally learn about the impact United Way has within our community! Thank you to all individuals who support the organization with their time, talents, and/or treasurers. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you! Thank you!

Join United Way for our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 10th! At Noon on Wednesday a video will be shared highlighting the accomplishments of United Way throughout the year. At 4pm we will host the business portion of our Annual Meeting via Zoom. Join us! WHAT? United Way Annual Meeting... WHEN? Wednesday, February 10th TIME? 4pm WHERE? Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89085379491 See more