OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi launches its
annual United Way campaign Monday (Oct. 22).
This year, Ole Miss hopes to raise at least $115,000 of the
United Way’s communitywide goal of $460,000, supporting
programs for some 16 Lafayette County agencies in 2008. The
goal was set by faculty and staff members of the Ole Miss
United Way Steering Committee, which is responsible for the
campus fundraising campaign.
“The agencies supported by the United Way touch the lives
of many university people,” said Lucile McCook, biology
instructor and campus committee co-chair. “The community is
counting on us to do our share.”
Committee members are urging the university community to
participate in Fair Share, Associate, or Leadership giving.
Fair Share givers contribute one hour’s wages each month to
the United Way, Associate givers donate $250 to $499 total
and Leadership givers contribute at least $500.
“Last year, Ole Miss was the top contributor to the United
Way (communitywide) with donations totaling $113,000,” said
Thelma Curry, University Police Department officer and
campus committee co-chair. “I’d like to see that number
grow.”
Before the kickoff, all UM employees should have received
pledge cards, explaining how they can pay gifts in full or
in installments through payroll deduction. The university’s
drive on behalf of United Way is slated for completion Nov.
30.
More than 99 percent of the money raised for United Way
stays in Lafayette County to help fund local charities,
including the Pantry, Interfaith Compassion Ministry,
American Red Cross, Crisis Services, Meals on Wheels, Boys
& Girls Clubs, Leap Frog, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of
America and Girl Scouts of America.
For more information, contact McCook at 662-915-5488 or
e-mail bymccook@olemiss.edu.