Students walk by a sculpture made from canned food and
other donated items that was built on Risman Plaza. The
project was a contest for the United Way food drive.

Kent State University is proud to kick off the 2015 Kent State United Way Campaign. The campaign will run from Nov. 1-25. The United Way focuses its attention on the common good in the areas of education, income and health.

It really is easy to donate. To make a donation to Kent State’s United Way Campaign, go to FlashLine, click on the My HR tab and look for the United Way link in the Employment Details box.

As always, there are a large number of philanthropic areas that need your donation. It is our hope that you will designate to an area for which you have great passion. In direct alignment with Kent State President Beverly Warren’s “Students First” priority, the university is promoting several 501C3 charities that directly benefit our students and staff. These are listed below:

• Center of Hope: A hot meal and food pantry program serving the city of Ravenna. Many Ravenna residents who are currently experiencing economic hardship benefit from this great service.
• Clothing Center: Provides, free of charge, gently-used clothing, personal and household items to families and individuals, while reducing the waste stream and promoting a positive experience for volunteers.
• Freedom House: Supports homeless veterans in our community in their efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency.
• Kent Social Services: A hot meal and food pantry program serving the city of Kent. Many Kent residents who are currently experiencing economic hardship benefit from this great service.
• Miller Community House: An emergency shelter for Portage County adults and children in a housing crisis. They also provide advocacy and referrals to encourage self-sufficiency and movement toward permanent housing.
• Town Hall II: Provides a crisis hotline and psychological services. The crisis hotline was founded in 1967.
• 211: A 24/7, 365 days a year hotline directing those in need to available services.
  

These are just a few of the ways United Way is able to help the people in our Kent State community. Many of the services provided directly impact students and employees at Kent State.

The United Way partners with local agencies (also known as nonprofits, not-for profits, charities) that, in turn, provide services in the areas of health, education and income. It is the most efficient and effective way to help the most people because United Way focuses on results. Local volunteers, educated on the issues, diligently make decisions to fund programs based on need, resources and accountability. The Portage County United Way is governed by a Board of Directors, made up of local volunteers. The board is legally and morally responsible for all activities of the organization. The board upholds the highest level of integrity and community leadership. Kent State’s Iris Harvey, vice president for university relations, sits on the board.

For more information about Kent State’s United Way Campaign, visit www.kent.edu/unitedway.