Kent State kicked off its annual United Way campaign on Sept. 21, with the goal to raise $180,000 to impact the local community. This year’s theme is “Shared Passion: Giving Where We Live and Work.” The campaign will run through Dec. 2, with various fundraising opportunities for faculty and staff.

United Way of Portage County supports a number of programs, including crisis relief efforts and programs for children and youth, senior citizens and families. In addition, the United Way supports 211 Portage, an information and referral service that provides direct access to more than 800 community services in Portage County.

“Supporting the local United Way may be the most important thing the university does for the community,” says Douglas Steidl, dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and Kent State’s United Way co-chair. “People in our neighborhood are counting on us not just to get through the crisis but to change their situations, so let’s make it the most successful campaign ever.”

Kent State is the largest employer in Portage County, and the university’s support is critical to the long-term success of the local United Way.

“The United Way of Portage County funds 43 programs through your donations and thousands take advantage of them,” says Steve Kleiber, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Portage County. “Few dollars per pay can make a big difference for people in need.”

How to Support the Campaign:

• Direct Contributions or Payroll Deductions: Faculty and staff can make their gift to the United Way either with a one-time donation by issuing checks, making cash or credit card payments or through payroll deductions. Payroll deduction sign-up is now available via FlashLine. You also have the opportunity to designate your donations to specific agencies. For more information about how to give, visit www.kent.edu/unitedway/howtogive.cfm or contact Terri Christensen at tchrist7@kent.edu.
  
  
• Online Auction: The 3rd annual online auction benefitting the United Way of Portage County begins Thursday, Sept. 29, at noon, through Tuesday, Oct. 4, ending at 3 p.m. Be sure to visit the online auction site during these dates.
  
  
• Department/Division Fundraising Events: Throughout the campaign period, campus departments and divisions will host various fundraising activities. Save the date for activities, such as the Corn Hole Challenge, which takes place Dec. 1, and the Garage Sale on Nov. 14. Check with your United Way campus coordinator for more information on these activities and more. To find out who your United Way campus coordinator is, visit www.kent.edu/unitedway/campaignleadership.cfm.
  

How Your Donations Help:

• $1 provides a free winter coat and a free bag of clothing from the County Clothing Center.
  
  
• $2 will provide a hot, full-course meal to a hungry child or adult.
  
  
• $50 will purchase groceries to feed a family of four for an entire week.
  

For more information about Kent State’s United Way campaign, visit www.kent.edu/unitedway/index.cfm or contact Christensen at 330-672-8613. Click here to view a video about the impact the United Way of Portage County has on the community.