OXFORD, Miss. – As the recession has increased public need, the
University of Mississippi has increased the efforts and goals of its
annual United Way campaign.
Ole Miss officially kicks off its campaign Monday (Nov. 2) with a goal
of raising at least $130,000 of the United Way’s communitywide goal of
$425,000. The goal was set by faculty and staff members of the Ole Miss
United Way Steering Committee, which is responsible for the campus
fundraising effort.
“The closing of the local Whirpool plant
is the main reason why we’ve decided to raise the bar for our own
campaign,” said Lucile McCook, biology lecturer and campus committee
co-chair. “Now more than ever, the LOU community is counting on us to
do our share.”
Committee members urge the university community to participate
in Fair Share, Associate or Leadership giving plans. Fair Share givers
contribute one hour’s wages each month to the United Way. Associate
givers donate $250 to $499. Leadership givers contribute at least $500.
“Last year, Ole Miss was the top contributor to the United Way
(communitywide) with donations totaling $124,000, just under the
$125,000 we were hoping to raise,” said Thelma Curry, University Police
Department officer and campus committee co-chair. “I’d like to see that
number grow.”
Ninety-nine percent of the money raised for United Way stays in
Lafayette County to help fund 16 or more local charities, including the
Pantry, Interfaith Compassion Ministry, American Red Cross, Family
Crisis Services, Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Clubs, Leap Frog,
Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America.
Around the kickoff date, all UM employees should receive pledge
cards, allowing them to pay gifts in full or in installments through
payroll deduction. Other fundraising efforts scheduled include
roadblocks, parking lot sales, intradepartmental competitions and
student organization-led events.
The university’s drive on behalf of the United Way is slated for
completion with a breakfast Dec. 4 from 7 to 9:30 a.m. in the Ole Miss
Union. Donations are $5 per person, with all proceeds going to the
campaign.
For more information, contact McCook at 662-915-5488 or e-mail bymccook@olemiss.edu.