Campus aims to raise $615,000 for Monroe Co. United Way by Nov. 30

The 2004 Monroe County United Way Campaign gives people the opportunity to give back to their community and their neighbors by donating and volunteering.\nThe campaign's kickoff took place Sept. 9 in Memorial Stadium and will conclude Nov. 30. The goal for the community is to raise $1.6 million, and IU's contribution goal is set at $615,000. The money raised will impact one out of every three residents in Monroe County.\n"The United Way provides a range of services, including providing food, shelter and medical care," said Barry Lessow, executive director of United Way Community Services of Monroe County. "It also provides help to people with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to afford things and helps keep senior citizens independent in their homes."\nAccording to its Web site, the mission of United Way "is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community."\nThe United Way of Monroe County has seven goals for the community: Providing sufficient food, shelter, health care, emergency services, education and job opportunities.\nGraduate student and IU Campaign Coordinator Alex Ihnen said United Way coordinates fund raising for many smaller agencies, which are called member agencies. There are 25 member agencies that participate in this campaign. \n"The United Way funds agencies that provide some type of human services," Lessow said. "Member agencies certainly collaborate with non-member agencies and other nonprofit organizations."\nLessow said United Way works with employers that will then provide their employees with the opportunity to donate. Pledge forms are sent to all IU employees asking them to contribute to the campaign.\n"The University gives us a lot of support," Ihnen said. "The University decided to endorse United Way to support lots of different groups."\nIU Co-Chairs for the campaign are Kumble Subbaswamy, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Gerardo Gonzalez, dean of the School of Education.\n"We think it is a worthwhile effort, and it is part of our responsibility as academic leaders to contribute," Gonzalez said. "We want to help create a healthy community."\nIhnen said it would be advantageous for students to get involved in the campaign by \nvolunteering.\n"There's a lot to learn," Ihnen said. "When you work at some of these places, you see people who don't have enough money to buy food or medicine. It's a beneficial lesson to see how fortunate you may be."\nLessow encourages students to become involved in the campaign. He said they are also able to find valuable volunteer opportunities by contacting the Bloomington Volunteer Network at www.bloomington.in.gov.\n"If students feel they want to contribute with the United Way Campaign, it is wonderful," Lessow said. "It helps them become more connected with the community. It is a chance to do something collectively for the community."\nLessow said every dollar donated will help make a difference because the money adds up quickly.\n"One dollar a week could pay for three medical prescriptions for a family with no medical assistance or a night at a shelter for a woman and her two children," Lessow said. "Two dollars a week could pay for a disabled student to attend a summer camp or to pay for shoes for four kids."\nLessow said the money donated to the campaign goes to agencies that are going to use it efficiently.\n"It is doing something very nice for your neighbors, people who live in this community, people going through rough times and people who literally need food," Lessow said.\nDonating to the campaign is important and will benefit others. All donations are appreciated, Lessow said.\n"We need everyone who wants to get involved to get involved," Lessow said. "It is a very generous community. Donations received after the campaign has ended are always gratefully accepted. This is our chance to help those people who are our neighbors," Lessow said.\nTo make a donation, download an online pledge card at www.monroeunitedway.org. \n-- Contact staff writer Dana Sands at dsands@indiana.edu.