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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

Sept. 12, 2008

Larry Olofson

Larry Olofson, who works in information technology for the residence department, applies a new coat of varnish to porch pillars at University Community Childcare last Friday. Olofson was one of 14 residence staff and 112 university employees who volunteered at United Way agencies Sept. 5 as part of 2008 campaign kickoff activities. Across the county, about 360 employees participated in a variety of cleaning, painting, gardening and other service projects. Photo by Brittney Rutherford.

United Way campus campaign concludes Oct. 17

by Anne Krapfl

Iowa State's participation in the 2008 United Way of Story County's (UW) campaign began Sept. 5 and runs through October. Following last year's $283,971 effort, the campus goal this fall has been set at $287,000. Major administrative units and colleges have their own goals; all of these are posted at the campaign's web site.

Wendy Wintersteen, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is the chairperson of the campus campaign.

"We know that our colleagues on campus will support these vital programs that improve the quality of life for so many in Story County," she said. "There is no better way to help those in our community who are in need than by pledging support for United Way."

Vice president for extension and outreach Jack Payne is serving as leadership chairperson, working to increase the number of campaign leadership gifts at the university.

Pledge cards will be sent to campus mailboxes Sept. 12. Employees are asked to return their envelopes by Friday, Oct. 17.

Every donor who contributes to the 2008 UW campaign receives:

  • Four free tickets to the Dec. 21 ISU-Minnesota women's basketball game at Hilton
  • Two free tickets to a performance of the 2008-09 Performing Arts Series at Stephens (eight choices from October to May)

Following is a brief Q&A about the university's participation in the United Way campaign. A longer Q&A also is online.

Why does ISU participate in the UW campaign?

There are several reasons for Iowa State's long-standing support of this campaign:

  • The United Way campaign is community-based, and ISU is an important part of this community
  • Many students, faculty and staff benefit from UW-supported services
  • United Way meets the ISU criteria for solicitation and payroll deduction (a qualified charitable organization with at least 100 participants employed at ISU)

Why should I give if I live in Story County, but not in Ames, or if I live in a different county?

Many perceive this as an Ames campaign, but almost all of the 90-plus services and initiatives supported by UW donors are provided throughout Story County. In the surrounding counties, there are other organizations that are helping meet similar needs. If you want to designate your gift to the county where you live, simply fill out a donor choice card and note the county where you live. United Way of Story County will send your donation to that county.

What should I do if I only want to support some of the UW partner agencies -- or if there's an agency I don't want to support?

Donors may designate or exclude specific agencies on a donor choice card.

Designated pledges are on top of allocations that go through United Way of Story County's regular award process. Exclusions truly result in decreased funding to the organization(s) specified.

How confidential is the process of returning pledge envelopes?

ISU employees return their envelopes by putting them in campus mail to 184 General Services Building, Stop #22. United Way of Story County has paid for the mailbox. The envelopes will not be opened until they reach UW, and no one at the university will know their contents.

Donors who choose to fulfill their pledges using payroll deduction must include some kind of identification number on their pledge cards for use by ISU payroll. No ID is preprinted on the cards, so donors may add either their Social Security number or ISU ID.

Summary

The university's pledge goal in the 2008 United Way campaign is $287,000. The campaign opened Sept. 5 and concludes Oct. 17.