The 85th University of Arkansas United Way campaign is officially underway, running from Tuesday, Oct. 1, to Tuesday, Oct. 15, and is asking faculty and staff to donate to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. 

This year's campaign with the theme, "Change Does Not Happen Alone," has a goal of raising $125,000 to support the local programs the United Way of Northwest Arkansas funds to help children and families in need.

An estimated one in six children in Northwest Arkansas lives in poverty. Donations of all sizes provide children with food, school supplies, tutoring, mentoring and the opportunity to be children without worrying about what the future might hold. It provides a pathway out of poverty.  

"The United Way of Northwest Arkansas supports numerous organizations helping at-risk children and families in our communities," said Matt Waller, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and United Way campaign chair. "I hope all faculty and staff give to this year's United Way campaign — 98 percent of your donation stays in Northwest Arkansas. It creates real change for families."

Payroll deductions, recurring gifts or one-time credit card donations can be made online at unitedway.uark.edu. Payroll deductions are re-authorized each year and deductions begin in January 2020.

Donation cards are distributed to campus staff who do not have regular access to the internet and should be returned to a campus coordinator. A full list of campus coordinators can be found at unitedway.uark.edu.

Faculty and staff may donate to a specific agency through the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. Any donation of $100 or more to a 501c3 organization, as defined by the IRS, and serving Northwest Arkansas, will be passed on directly to that organization.

"The United Way of Northwest Arkansas supports after-school programs, health resources, workforce readiness and so much more," said Margaret Sova McCabe, dean of the School of Law and United Way campaign co-chair. "Change doesn't happen alone. Be a change maker. Give to the United Way."

About the University of Arkansas:The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Reportranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.