By the Rev. Darian Duckworth

As spring has begun, life in the Miss-Lou is in full bloom. But fruitfulness extends beyond the gardens and into people’s lives.

Beginning with the jambalaya cook-off in August, the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou has worked diligently to raise funds for local agencies whose aim is to help all residents of the Miss-Lou lead more productive lives. Although the official end to the campaign was Dec. 31, the fundraising never truly ends. As of this writing, the United Way has received $167,894, which is 96 percent of the goal established for this campaign season.

This phenomenal showing of support would not be possible without you — the Miss-Lou community. Every single contribution is an investment into each other’s lives. As we become healthier individuals through the programs of United Way agencies, the health of our community also improves because every penny raised stays right here in the Miss-Lou. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to more than 1,000 sponsors, participants and volunteers who have donated to this year’s campaign.

Those contributions become life giving in the hands of the allocations committee. Led by Chairperson Scott Kimbrell, this committee has the most important, yet most difficult task of the United Way — to decide upon best distribution of the funds to our agencies. A heartfelt thanks is extended to Mr. Kimbrell and all of the committee’s members — Maria Bowser, Andrew Calvit, Joyce Washington Ivery and Darrell White.

Of course, the campaign would not be possible without the leadership of Dr. Roderick Givens as chairman of the campaign, Tiffany Mascagni as executive director of the United Way, Tammy Prince as business director and the work of the United Way Board of Directors, to whom we also extend much gratitude.

As we continue through this beautiful season, and many more to come, let us be aware of the fact that donations are still necessary for the United Way to forge a better way of life in this community. A campaign goal is more than just a number. That goal is a better quality of life for which we strive as a community. Be a part of this ongoing, fruitful goal by continuing to give to the United Way at P.O. Box 1466, Natchez, MS 39121 or at the office on 118 N. Pearl St., Suite 206.

The Rev. Darian Duckworth is the chair of the United Way Board and pastor of Grace United Methodist Church.