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100 neediest cases
For generations, the 100 Neediest Cases campaign has helped thousands of disadvantaged families during the holidays. The tradition dates back to 1922, when civic leaders formed the Christmas Bureau. The Post-Dispatch has partnered with the program for more than five decades, renaming it 100 Neediest Cases in 1954. Annual donations to the campaign have swollen from $400 in 1922 to $1.6 million in 2008. 
how it works
More than 80 social service agencies, working through United Way of Greater St. Louis, identify thousands of needy families. This year, 14,000 cases were selected based on poverty, medical problems and other hardships. Volunteers then selected 100 cases to be profiled in the newspaper. The profiles help raise awareness and encourage donations for the thousands of other needy families.
how to give
Adopt a case: Thousands of cases can be adopted, including any of the 100 families profiled in the Post-Dispatch. United Way supplies donors with a list of a family's needs, along with all instructions needed to give. Donors should meet at least one of the stated needs and provide at least one gift for each child. Everything goes directly to the family through a social worker. In 2008, 1,200 cases were adopted.
Donate: A general fund helps the 14,000 cases in the program. Every family will receive something; every dollar goes directly to a needy family. In 2008, $1.6 million was raised and distributed. To adopt a case or donate: Call 314-421-6060 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, visit www.100neediestcases.org, or mail a check to P.O. Box 955925, St. Louis, MO 63195-5925. |
