United Way Campaign Starts Sept. 15: Give, Advocate, Volunteer

UC Merced is preparing to support the United Way of Merced County with a pledge drive that starts Sept. 15 and continues until Oct. 15.

The theme of this year’s month-long campaign is “Celebrate United!” in honor of the Merced chapter’s 60th anniversary of providing support and services to county residents. One gift organizers of the UC Merced campaign would like to give to the agency is an increase in employee participation.

Campaign Chair Gail Benedict said the goal is to the increase the percentage of employee participation from 11 percent to 15 percent.

To help make that happen, annual campaign department representatives will work with their assigned divisions and departments to create a friendly competition. Representatives will send announcements to their department employees during the coming weeks.

Since 2001, UC Merced has managed an annual campaign to raise money for the United Way of Merced County, and campus community members have routinely demonstrated incredible generosity and support for improving the lives of others in our community. Through creative ways to give, the campus campaign strives to increase campus community members’ awareness and support of the needs of others.

Those interested in participating in or supporting the United Way campaign can do so in three ways: make a one-time contribution; sign up for a monthly payroll deduction; or volunteer for a United Way organization.

More information about the local organizations United Way supports and this year’s annual campaign is available on the UC Merced United Way website.