OXFORD, Miss. – As the recession has increased public need, the
\nUniversity of Mississippi has increased the efforts and goals of its
\nannual United Way campaign.
\n
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\nOle Miss officially kicks off its campaign Monday (Nov. 2) with a goal
\nof raising at least $130,000 of the United Way’s communitywide goal of
\n$425,000. The goal was set by faculty and staff members of the Ole Miss
\nUnited Way Steering Committee, which is responsible for the campus
\nfundraising effort.\n<\/p>\n
\n“The closing of the local Whirpool plant
\nis the main reason why we’ve decided to raise the bar for our own
\ncampaign,” said Lucile McCook, biology lecturer and campus committee
\nco-chair. “Now more than ever, the LOU community is counting on us to
\ndo our share.”\n<\/p>\n
\nCommittee members urge the university community to participate
\nin Fair Share, Associate or Leadership giving plans. Fair Share givers
\ncontribute one hour’s wages each month to the United Way. Associate
\ngivers donate $250 to $499. Leadership givers contribute at least $500.\n<\/p>\n
\n“Last year, Ole Miss was the top contributor to the United Way
\n(communitywide) with donations totaling $124,000, just under the
\n$125,000 we were hoping to raise,” said Thelma Curry, University Police
\nDepartment officer and campus committee co-chair. “I’d like to see that
\nnumber grow.”\n<\/p>\n
\nNinety-nine percent of the money raised for United Way stays in
\nLafayette County to help fund 16 or more local charities, including the
\nPantry, Interfaith Compassion Ministry, American Red Cross, Family
\nCrisis Services, Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Clubs, Leap Frog,
\nSalvation Army, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America.\n<\/p>\n
\nAround the kickoff date, all UM employees should receive pledge
\ncards, allowing them to pay gifts in full or in installments through
\npayroll deduction. Other fundraising efforts scheduled include
\nroadblocks, parking lot sales, intradepartmental competitions and
\nstudent organization-led events.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe university’s drive on behalf of the United Way is slated for
\ncompletion with a breakfast Dec. 4 from 7 to 9:30 a.m. in the Ole Miss
\nUnion. Donations are $5 per person, with all proceeds going to the
\ncampaign.\n<\/p>\n