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"We are looking for volunteers from 3 to 6 p.m. to drive St. Francis Borgia Regional High School students and from 3:45 to 6 p.m. to drive Washington High School students," Stieffermann said.
Anyone interested in driving is asked to call the United Way office at 636-239-1018 by this Friday, Sept. 18.
Stieffermann said the drivers will transport the students to about 50 different territories within the city limits and several subdivisions just outside Washington. About 200 students participated last year.
Students will knock on more than 5,000 doors seeking donations for the United Way.
The community canvass helps raise much needed funds and awareness of the United Way campaign, as well as promotes volunteerism among local teens, said Paula Obermark, United Way executive director.
The door-to-door drive is a long-standing tradition of the United Way, formerly known as the United Fund and prior to that, the Community Chest. The canvass dates back to the late 1950s when the fire whistle was used to signal the start of the drive.
Obermark said the purpose of the drive is the same today as it was then: To reach those residents who may not have the opportunity to participate in a campaign through their workplace.
During the drive, students will knock on doors and ask for a donation. Residents also will receive a United Way brochure listing the 41 agencies and programs supported through the drive. A clear hanging bag with a return envelope and brochure will be left if no one is home.
The students will be wearing orange United Way T-shirts and name tags and all of the drivers will have placards posted in their front windshields designating them as drivers.
United Way officials encourage residents who are not home during the drive to consider making a donation.
Contributions can be mailed to: Franklin County Area United Way, P.O. Box 3, Washington, MO 63090.
"The effort is more crucial this year than ever before due to the economy," said Obermark.
"There have been so many people affected here by layoffs, closings and reduced work weeks," she said. "Every dollar raised is important and will go a long way in helping people in times of need - no gift is too small."
The United Way officially kicked off its campaign, the single largest annual fundraiser in Franklin County, earlier this month. The 2009 goal is $861,000.
To thank students for their participation, pizza parties are planned at both schools after the drive.
All of the teens who participate will receive a United Way T-shirt compliments of the campaign sponsors.
