United Way kicks off 2001 season

A community is facing poverty, homelessness, hunger and unemployment.\nAnd the city is Bloomington.\nUnited Way launched its kick-off for the 2001-2002 campaign Thursday afternoon, hosting a lunch at the Hoosier Room of Memorial Stadium. \nMolly El Mouhajir, IU United Way Campaign Coordinator, said she hopes the campaign will expose social problems in Bloomington that are usually seen as urban issues. \n"There is a really big need in our community to focus on people. What happened in New York can happen anywhere, and in Bloomington there is unemployment, poverty and homelessness," Mouhajir said.\nThe kick-off program featured speakers who received assistance from United Way. People who have donated also spoke about why they deemed it a worthy cause.\nDiana Hawkins, a Monroe County resident, told a story of loss. \nHer house was destroyed by fire, but the American Red Cross, a United Way agency, assisted her immediate needs.\n"Losing my house was just like losing family," she said. "It was a mountain to climb, but Red Cross and United Way made all the difference."\nThe services were there to meet Hawkins' needs with vouchers for food, clothes and eyeglasses -- needs she saw mirrored recently in New York.\n"I took comfort when I saw that the American Red Cross and United Way were helping those in New York," Hawkins said.\nIn the wake of last week's events, the focus for the nation and students on campus is "How do we help the victims, family and communities? What can I do?" \nThe tragic scenes and stories of people now facing homeless and poverty break hearts and spirits. \nThose stories are also found in Bloomington throughout the year. \nThe United Way, which has a Monroe County and IU office at 441 S. College Ave., is always accepting donations, but there is an even greater need this year. Past layoffs and the current economic slowdown will create heightened demand for contributions. \nAlso, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation will not donate matching funds as they did last year. \nThe IU United Way campaign lasts from Thursday's kickoff \nto Nov. 1, with a community goal of $1,600,000, and a campus goal of $600,000.\n"(Bloomington) must stick together and support our community," Mouhajir said. "IU is seen as a separate entity from Bloomington, but that is not true. IU and its students are a huge part of Bloomington."\nIn past years, Greek Fest has donated money United Way and this year the organization will try to reach more students and campus organization. \n"By investing in our community, the faculty, staff and students of Indiana University make their caring count for the many families and individuals who benefit from contributions," said Dorothy Frapwell, University Counsel, IU campaign co-chair.\nIf any student, faculty, or group is interested in helping the United Way cause, or would like extra information, contact Beverly Calender-Anderson can be contacted at the United Way office at 334-8370 or www.idsnews.com