ST. LOUIS, MO. – As the holiday season begins, many people are searching for hope in the midst of challenging times, and through the 100 Neediest Cases program, our community has the opportunity to create a better, brighter holiday season for our neighbors in need. 100 Neediest Cases gives people the opportunity to spread joy and generosity to thousands of individuals and families who are at or 125% below the poverty line.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
100 Neediest Cases helps people get access to a warm meal, a winter coat, a new toy, critical medication, rent and utility assistance, and more.
In 1954, United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch partnered to implement this program, and since, 100 Neediest Cases has been helping individuals and families during the holidays across Missouri and Illinois.
Last year, the community’s annual donations reached $1.7 million helping 11,700 people get access to resources needed to enjoy a better, brighter holiday season.
The program is underway and there are 4,921 cases this year. Those looking to get involved through adoptions, donations, and fundraising can do so at 100neediestcases.org. The need for support is urgent this year with 8% of families seeking help through 100 Neediest Cases citing the May 16th tornado as a direct contributor to their unmet needs.
Our community’s generosity through 100 Neediest Cases helps people like Ms. F and her family who suffered a traumatic loss when her 14-year-old son was murdered. The family continues to struggle with the loss of a loved one and Ms. F and her other two children lost their housing and have experienced homelessness. The holidays are tough for Ms. F’s family due to ongoing grief and challenges to meet their basic needs. This holiday season, give families like Ms. F’s a source of joy and strength by adopting a family and giving the gift of hope.
“The St. Louis region has faced unique challenges this year, but support for 100 Neediest Cases will give our neighbors in need hope for a brighter future during the holiday season,” said Becky White, Direct Services Program Manager for United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Despite obstacles, our neighbors find joy through your generosity, and we look forward to our community joining us in giving the gift of hope and making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of local individuals and families.”
How to help this holiday season:
- Adopt a family: Sign up today to make a lasting impact on a neighbor in need.
- Donate: Every dollar raised for the 100 Neediest Cases program goes directly to helping families throughout the St. Louis region.
- Fundraise: Encourage family and friends to contribute to an adopted family through the fundraising platform.
The 100 Neediest Cases program works with 47 local social service agencies to identify families that need additional help. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping people. United Way of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and these social service agencies absorb all administrative and fundraising costs. Every case submitted to United Way receives a gift, and their stories are also featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
About United Way of Greater St. Louis
United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way's impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region and connecting local neighbors to providers of services through its 211 Helpline. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.
