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November 2, 2009

Campus again partnering with United Way for annual campaign

By Gwen Mickelson, (831) 459-2495, gwenm@ucsc.edu

An opportunity to help those in greatest need in our community and county during these tough economic times is under way on campus through the annual United Way campaign.

Informational materials on the “Live United” campaign, which runs November 2-13, will arrive in staff and faculty e-mail inboxes November 2.

Last year, campus staff and faculty pledged $62,500, the highest amount among participating educational institutions in the county. Money donated to the United Way's Commmunity Investment Fund that year helped support programs that served more than 56,000 people--one in five county residents.

"Creating a community safety net--health, food, financial for young and old, those in crisis and those in transition--is the goal of United Way’s 'Live United’ campaign and enables you and me to make one gift that can benefit so many,” said Donna Murphy, vice chancellor of University Relations, who is co-chair for United Way's Workplace Giving Campaign. "It’s really neighbor helping neighbor when people are in greatest need. It’s heartwarming, and it makes me so proud that last year 342 individuals at UCSC--staff and faculty members--extended their hand of support. Importantly, every dollar contributed stays in Santa Cruz County.”

A dollar a week can provide job-training skills for a developmentally disabled person, while $2 a week teaches two students from abusive backgrounds violence prevention so they can break the pattern of abuse.

This year the United Way of Santa Cruz County has refocused its community investment goals on three building blocks for a good life:

• Success for our youth;

• Financial stability for all working families;

• Access to health care for all.

In the spirit of supporting campus sustainability goals, this year's campaign notice and forms are going out via email rather than paper. You'll receive a donation envelope in your campus mailbox for your contribution. (Reminder: You must fill out a new pledge form each year, even if you're happy with your existing donation.)

United Way of Santa Cruz County gives money to local health and human service agency programs that help children, the elderly, the disabled, and families in crisis.

Staff and faculty have the opportunity to use payroll deduction to make a gift through United Way, which reduces taxable income. Your donation will begin the pay period of January 2010. Send your pledge form in the envelope you'll find in your campus mailbox by November 30.

Donations are also accepted by check or credit card.

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