WVU, United Way aim to raise $330,000 for charity

The United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties, in cooperation with West Virginia University, kicks off its annual fundraising campaign today.

The campaign helps raise money for local agencies that give aid to citizens with low income, illness, illiteracy, domestic violence and homelessness issues. United Way has partnered with WVU through the Center for Civic Engagement for 30 years.

This year, Campaign Director Kristi Wood hopes to show WVU not only maintains its commitment to the United Way but plans to reach a little deeper to give more than ever before.

The program aims to raise more than $330,000 this year. They also hope to remain the largest organizational contributor to the local United Way and to increase participation across campus.

More than 180 individuals work as team coordinators across the University. In addition to their regular duties, these people are responsible for collecting pledge cards and donations to United Way. This year, many of them are also organizing their own fundraisers.

"It is very exciting to see everyone so creative in their giving," Wood said.

The United Way supports 29 health and human service agencies across the two counties and impacts thousands of lives each year.

These agencies do not have the resources to do fundraising of this nature on their own, so without the United Way campaign they would not survive, according to Wood.

Each year, WVU hosts several events to raise money for the campaign. The Mountaineers Run United run/walk, which is held in October, and sales of Gold Rush T-shirts are two of the major fundraisers.

WVU students are an incredibly important part of this campaign and bring a lot of enthusiasm,Wood said.

"It gives them the opportunity to show the community how proud they are to be a part of this area," she said. "It also shows a side of WVU students that people may not hear about as often."

Last year 5,400 shirts were sold. Student campaign coordinator Andrea Mucino said she hopes to sell more than 6,000 shirts this year.

"United Way is a wonderful organization," Mucino said. "A little thing like buying a T-shirt is giving to a good cause, so I think people will respond to that."

The Student Government Association will be selling Gold Rush shirts until the football game against Oklahoma Nov. 17.

Shirts are $10 for short-sleeves and $15 for long sleeves. They can be purchased in the Mountainlair Sept. 24 from 10-2 p.m.

Students are strongly encouraged to get as involved as possible with the campaign, Wood said.

"No one cent goes unappreciated," Wood said.

Pledge cards are available online and can be turned in to any of the team coordinators across campus. A list of team coordinators and more information can be found at unitedway.wvu.edu.