Purdue United Way Campaign to kick off Tuesday

The 2013 Purdue United Way Campaign aims to raise $750,000 for Greater Lafayette human services agencies beginning with its kickoff Tuesday (Sept. 10).

The campaign, which runs through Nov. 20, will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Beck Agricultural Center. By making donations and participating in organized activities throughout the campaign, Purdue employees can show their support for the local community.

"United Way works closely with community leaders to find solutions to local poverty, expand early education opportunities and improve health and income for many," says Dale Whittaker, 2013 Purdue United Way chair and vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs. "Through all of its efforts, United Way helps assure that quality of life in Greater Lafayette remains high for each and every one of us."

"Move Forward … Give Back" is the theme for this year's Purdue campaign. Purdue's goal of $750,000 is 15.3 percent of the community's goal of $4.9 million.

The goal of Purdue’s United Way campaign is to assure that all employees have the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether and how much to give to United Way. Giving is voluntary and confidential. Purdue United Way trains volunteers in the fashion of the non-coercion policy set by United Way of Greater Lafayette.

Pledge cards will be delivered to the team captains of each department during the week of Sept. 10, and campus employees will receive them soon after. The pledge cards should be returned to the team captains or sent directly to Dauch Alumni Center in the envelope included. All donations will go to the 23 participating organizations that serve the communities of Lafayette and West Lafayette and many of the surrounding counties. Faculty, staff and retirees can designate their gifts to other counties or a particular United Way program, agency or agencies.

Faculty and staff should note several changes for 2013:

* Donations may be made via credit card or PayPal by visiting www.uwlafayette.org/givenow-purdue.html.

* Purdue employees may direct their gift to the community initiatives of the United Way, which include Kindergarten Countdown Camp, Read to Succeed and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. All programs and services of these initiatives are in compliance with United Way of Greater Lafayette's Statement on Non-Discrimination. Funds are separate from those going to the 23 participating nonprofits.

* The Purdue campaign has a new promotion with Purdue Convocations. Those who give at least $20 more than they did last year will receive a buy-one-get-one-free offer for the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra concert on Feb. 21 or the STREB Forces performance on April 4. The promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 500. Additional details are on the pledge card.

United Way of Greater Lafayette has channeled more than $132 million into the community since 1956. Today, its 23 local agencies include the American Red Cross, Food Finders Food Bank, Lafayette Family YMCA and Riggs Community Health Center.

For more information

* Purdue United Way office: 49-49240 or www.purdue.edu/unitedway

*Purdue's loaned campaign representative for 2013 is Melissa Gruver, assistant dean of civic engagement and leadership development in the Office of the Dean of Students. To schedule a United Way presentation, call 742-9077 or fill out an online form at www.uwlafayette.org/Schedule_An_LCR.html.