IU United Way campaign exceeds goal

United Way thermometers across campus, once stuck on empty, are now bursting. \nThe thermometers depict the United Way 2005-06 campaign fundraising goal -- a mark the group exceeded by $22,135. The campaign raised $637,135 this year, exceeding its goal of $615,000, according to its Web site www.indiana.edu/~uwayiub.\nMegan Miller, the campaign coordinator, said this money contributes to 40 percent of the money raised for the United Way of Monroe County, which also surpassed its county goal of $1,450,000 during its 50th year in Bloomington. The money goes to people living in the community who are in need of food, shelter, health care and other basic needs. \n"Bloomington and Monroe County definitely have people in need," Miller said.\nShe said the money from the IU campaign was raised from employees agreeing to give a part of their paychecks to the campaign, as well as from people's voluntary donations. Money was also raised in residence halls, greek houses and in various campus organizations.\nMiller said this is the first time in years the United Way campaign surpassed its goal. She said she thinks this is because many students were unaware of what the United Way campaign does, and that there are needy people in the Bloomington community.\n"A lot of people aren't aware because they are on campus all the time," she said. "There are definitely sections (in Bloomington) where it isn't as nice as campus."\nThis year, the campaign raised awareness by sending out flyers, e-mails and selling merchandise such as awareness bracelets.\n"We were trying to get the word out about what the United Way does for the community," Miller said. \nJess Borchert, one of the co-chairs of the campaign, said she enjoyed organizing many student groups toward one goal.\n"It was such a unique experience to bring so many different student groups together for a noteworthy purpose," she said. "I was proud to be a part of the student team."\nBorchert also said she wanted to participate, hoping more students would see the importance of the United Way campaign.\n"I'm hoping to see the student campaign flourish from here on out," she said. \nMiller expressed how important it is for students to get involved in the community.\n"Students can gain skills and learn about teamwork," she said. "It's important to understand that individual work isn't the only way to accomplish goals. \n"It's important to be involved -- that's how you make a community great"