Live United is the new motto of the United Way of America. The previous motto — What Matters — will remain a powerful message for the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.

As executive director of your local United Way, I’ve been saying for several months that every dollar matters in this year’s campaign. Last Thursday, more than 20 United Way board members, agency representatives, First Natchez/95 Country employees and other volunteers participated in road blocks sponsored by United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou and First Natchez Radio/95 Country. Their efforts and the generous donations of Miss-Lou residents personified the spirit of both mottos and proved that every dime, dollar and penny matters.

From 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. volunteers dressed in bright yellow T-Shirts imprinted with United Way and 95 Country logos and the message “We Make a Difference,” appealed to motorists at the intersection of U.S. 61 North and U.S. 84 and on Carter Street in Vidalia to support the United Way.

Drivers dug out pocket change, emptied coin cups from dashboards and consoles, and donated bills and checks of various denominations.

Their combined donations of $455 in coins proved that every dime and penny matters. Another $1,255 in one dollar bills proves that every dollar matters. Dozens of $5 bills plus several $10 and $20 dollar bills and checks rounded out the grand total of $2,400 donated to support United Way agencies.

On behalf of the United Way and the agencies we fund, thanks to all of the following who contributed to the success of this event!

4Hundreds of Miss-Lou residents who stopped to donate

4United Way Board members Maria Bowser and Mike Gemmell

4Representatives of the Guardian Shelter

4Sandra Davis of the Guardian Sexual Assault Center

4Angie Brown, manager of the Red Cross

4James Brown, Rosemary Hall and other employees of B&K Bank including Marty Seibert who provided umbrellas.

4Residents and representatives of the Sunshine Shelter

4Susan Sanders, Renza Grennell, Sheila Rogillio and Billy Hendricks of the Isle of Capri

4Bennie Boone of American Medical Response

4Carrie Lambert of Natchez Downtown Development

4Marcus Frazier and The Natchez Democrat for photo coverage

4Johnny Rodriguez of the Adams County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue.

4Brenda Cantu, United Way administrative assistant

4Employees of Delta Bank

4Ken Ardoin of UPS

4Marjorie Bowman of Concordia Council on Aging

4Genna Hopkins and Patricia Anderson of Concordia Bank

4Ada Palermo and Joe Bairnsfather of Concordia 4-H

4Ketco Advertising and Specialties provided great looking T-shirts at a discount.

4Rosco, Mickey Alexander, Sheri Rabb, Porky Smith and everyone at First Natchez Radio and 95 Country

Marsha Colson is the director of the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.