FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas will start its 81st United Way campaign on October 1. This year’s campaign will focus on the 26,000 children who live in poverty in Northwest Arkansas.

The campaign goal is to raise $160,000 to help build a path out of poverty for these children. Donations will go to the 57 agencies and 69 programs that help local children, all of them supported by the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

A Campaign Kick-Off celebration is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct.1 in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge. The United Way Agency Fair is scheduled from 3-4 p.m. The event will feature free food, Razorback Mascots, door prizes and opening remarks from interim Chancellor Dan Ferritor.

Everyone is invited to join the celebration, meet people some of the agencies working in our community and learn more about the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.