FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Universtity of Arkansas faculty and staff have so far contributed $41,185 to the 84th U of A United Way campaign. This is 33 percent of the campaign goal of $125,000 – with only nine days left in the October campaign.

“We really want to thank everyone on campus who has participated in the campaign so far – either with a donation or through some other type of community service,” said Chris McCoy, chair of the campaign. “Obviously we have a long way to go to reach our goal. We’re not down to the last minute yet, but we are getting close. Any contribution you can make now will be greatly appreciated.”

Faculty and staff members can turn in their personalized donor cards to their unit’s campus coordinator any time this week. If you are not sure who the volunteer is for your unit, the full list can be found on the U of A United Way website.

For those who prefer to contribute online, the website also has a Donate Now button that will link you to a safe and secure donation site.

“However you decide to participate, please turn in your donor card to help us keep track of how many people are taking part in the campaign this year,” said McCoy.

All donations to the U of A United Way will go to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas to support programs that help the estimated 19,000 children in Northwest Arkansas who live in poverty, who go to bed hungry and who are, in many cases, homeless. The agencies and programs funded by the United Way of Northwest Arkansas are dedicated to helping these children and their families build a pathway out of poverty. A full list of these agencies and programs is available at the United Way of Northwest Arkansas website.

“When I was just starting my career in higher education my wife and I adopted four children,” McCoy said. “These children had special needs, particularly counseling, that we could not afford. A United Way-supported agency was there for us and it made all the difference in my children’s lives, in my life.

“I know that when We’re United great things happen.”