High School Students Illustrate City's Neediest

Since 1922, St. Louisans have banded together to help local families in need during the holidays. For almost 60 years, that tradition continued as the United Way’s 100 Neediest Families campaign, profiling 100 families availible for adoption in the St. Louis area.

Each case is profiled in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which has partnered with the program for more than 5 decades. Students from high schools across the city contributed artwork to the campaign, illustrating the despair and need of profiled families.

Lindbergh High School student Caitlin Merkel won first prize from hundreds of submissions for her drawing of a person dejectedly dragging their belongings in a wagon.

Last year, contributors donated $1.3 million and adopted 1,300 cases. 

To adopt or donate, call 314-421-6060 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, visit www.100neediestcases.org, or mail a check to P.O. Box 955925, St. Louis, Mo. 63195.

Press play on the slideshow to see all the featured artwork.