Former WVU President David Hardesty and Mountaineer Parents Club founder Susan Hardesty will serve as co-chairs for the 38th annual United Way campaign, which begins today (Oct 1) and runs through Oct. 30.
This year’s campaign, “Now More than Ever,” reminds us all of the unique stress the region faces during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the importance of working together as a community to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for all who live and work in the greater Morgantown area.
All contributions to WVU’s United Way campaign stay local, as the money helps support the community and 43 programs at 24 organizations in Monongalia and Preston counties. These organizations assist people with healthcare, childcare, youth mentoring, senior programs, mental health programs, disaster response initiatives and healthy lifestyle initiatives, among others; however, these agencies do not have the resources for large fundraising campaigns and rely on WVU’s United Way campaign each year for additional funding.
Employees interested in contributing can do so through this link. Anyone who donates a minimum of $1 per pay for 26 pay cycles will be placed into a drawing for one of several prizes.
The overall campaign goal of Monongalia and Preston Counties is $1,142,000. WVU’s goal is set at $200,000.
WVU’s 2019 donations alone provided:
3,043 visits for substance abuse, mental health case counseling and support.
139 people with help completing their taxes in Monongalia and Preston counties.
2,387 individuals with food for a holiday meal.
2,001 kids with free books in Monongalia County from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
1,013 individuals and families with child abuse/neglect counseling support.
20,649 weekend food packs sent home to children.
272 citizens with disabilities with help through job creation and retention.
1,633 individuals with job training and employment assistance.
30 homeless individuals with temporary housing until permanent housing could be located.
To help raise money for the campaign, the WVU Student United Way is doing its part by selling the 13th annual “Gold Rush” T-shirt. All proceeds from the Gold Rush T-shirt sales will go towards the WVU Student United Way and are counted toward WVU’s overall campaign goal. T-shirts, which are $15 for S-XL and $18 for 2XL-3XL, can be purchased and will be available until Oct. 15.
Last year, contributions from WVU faculty and staff helped change the story of more than 32,000 individuals. Over the last 10 years, WVU’s campaigns have raised $2.7 million.
Now, more than ever, your community needs your help. If you are able, please donate today.
*Note: You must be logged in to the VPN network to access the donation link.
For more information, contact Bonnie Anderson, United Way coordinator, at Bonnie.Anderson@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5532.