Carthage Area United Way

06/01/2026

Meet Cassandra Ludwig, CAUW’s Board Secretary! Cassandra is currently serving her second year on the board, bringing both thoughtful insight and a strong analytical mindset to the organization. Her connection to CAUW began through CWEP’s employee giving campaign, and she quickly jumped at the opportunity to join the board to learn more about CAUW’s work and help further its mission.

According to CAUW Director Kim Bausinger, Cassandra has a unique ability to listen carefully, process information thoroughly, and ask the kinds of questions that help fine-tune important details within the organization. As someone who is often moving “a mile a minute,” Kim especially appreciates Cassandra’s steady attention to detail and the thoughtful perspective she brings to every discussion.

05/29/2026

Since 2018, Carthage Area United Way has proudly served 62,237 Carthage residents- and 64,086 people across our broader service area.💙

That's tens of thousands of lives touched through local programs, partner agencies, and community-driven initiatives.

🙌Together, we're building a stronger Carthage. Follow us for stories, updates, and ways to get involved!

Donate today by scanning the QR code!

05/26/2026

Meet Leigh Salyer, CAUW Board Vice President. Leigh is our voice of history. Due to his longstanding relationship with the organization, Leigh has seen a lot over the last 35 years. His passion for what CAUW stands for and accomplishes has brought him back to our board multiple times. Leigh's not afraid of some of the tedious paperwork jobs, and is always volunteering with a big smile on his face!

Director Kim Bausinger says she loves that Leigh is so passionate, keeps us true to our history, but is open to new ideas as well. She laughs about Leigh telling folks at last years Road Rally event that he thought the event idea was a bit questionable to begin with, but was happily wrong, and thought the event wonderfully showcased what CAUW for the citizens of Carthage and Eastern Jasper County.

05/23/2026

📣Did you know the tax law regarding individual charitable donations changed in 2026?

Starting in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can now deduct up to $1,000 in cash charitable donations ($2,000 for joint filers) in addition to their standard deduction. 💵

What does that mean for you? It’s now even easier for families taking the standard deduction to lower their taxable income while supporting causes that make a difference right here in our community through Carthage Area United Way.

Every donation helps us continue funding local nonprofit partners and programs that impact lives across our area.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, give online today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/202425-giving-campaign

05/20/2026

Meet Jeff Meredith , CAUW's Board President. Jeff has a plethora of non-profit and board experience. He is passionate about CAUW operating with great fiscal integrity, and is well known on the board as being "the math has to math" guy! Jeff is in his 3rd year on the CAUW Board.

Kim Bausinger says she appreciate Jeff for his willingness to talk through problems and solutions, as well as consistently asking what he can do to support her in her role as Executive Director.

05/13/2026

We were so thrilled last class to award Ms. Ethel with the first small appliance reward for attending 6 Community Cooking & Nutrition Classes. She asked for an electric can opener, because the handheld ones are hard to operate when your arthritis is acting up!

You can come join us for class too! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, from 1:30-2:30 at Fairview Christian Church. We have a little cooking lesson, try a new recipe, and then you can take all of the ingredients home to remake the recipe for your family. The class is free and open to anyone. Kids are welcome, too!

The Fairview Christian Church food pantry opens at 3pm, and is open to anyone. There are no income, address or ID requirements. You are allowed to participate every week too. So scan the QR code, or click https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/community-cooking-and-nutrition-class to sign up and come join us this Thursday, May 14th at 1:30.

This program is provided by Fairview Christian Church, Carthage Crosslines Ministry , MU Extension in Jasper County and Carthage Area United Way.

05/11/2026

Last week we were pleased to award four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who had shown a commitment to servicing others, one of the hallmarks we strive to achieve through all we do at Carthage Area United Way. We hope that these students will continue serving while they continue their education, and will one day take that value with them in the community they choose to make their home. Congratulations to Peyton Derryberry, Haysia Osborne, Mya Davison & William Wright!

04/28/2026

So happy for Carthage Crosslines Ministry! What an amazing award from Ozarks Food Harvest! We know you will put it to great use!

WOW!!! Thank you Ozark Food Harvest!! We were just informed we will get the vehicle for picking up food donations.

Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that Ozarks Food Harvest has selected your organization to receive a FY26 Strengthening Our Network Grant. We are excited about the impact your work is making and are proud to support your efforts to serve the community.
2026 Dodge RAM ProMaster

We recently were BLESSED to receive the local Dollar Generals and Aldi's, on top of our other food pick-ups, and this vehicle makes better sense to procure these donations.
Thank you Ozark Food Harvest for always believing in our mission and helping make it a reality every day!!

04/25/2026

Tonight's the night! 🧀🐭 See you at 6pm!

Carthage Shrine Barn- 2114 W. Mound, Carthage
⏲️Doors open 5:45
🍽️Dinner at 6:00
🎟️Races start at 6:45
🍺Cash Bar
💵💳Race tickets can be purchased with cash or card!💵💳

04/24/2026

We’ve got racing mice!!!