United Way launches poverty campaign

United Way launches poverty campaign
United Way launches poverty campaign
The University of Arkansas United Way recently launched its 82nd campaign against poverty, sending staff and faculty donation cards to request funding until Oct. 31.

The theme of the campaign is “Paint Their Future Bright – Child by Child.” The goal is to offer hope and support to over 27,000 children who live in poverty in northwest Arkansas.

There are several ways to participate. Donations are accepted at unitedway.uark.edu or through cash, card, payroll deduction or check.

“Donating online is fast, efficient and secure,” Co-Chair Stacy Leeds, dean of the School of Law, said. “But whatever way you choose to contribute to the community, please turn in your donation card so we can accurately track campus participation.”

Participating in the donation campaign will add people’s names to a raffle prize.

“When we receive your donation card you become eligible to win a $100 gift card,” Jacque Linebarger, campaign coordinator, said. “We’ll have a drawing every week.”

People can also volunteer with the United Way or a partner agency; or contribute to their local communities in other ways.

“It is shocking to think that there are roughly the same number of children living in poverty in this region as there are students at the University of Arkansas this fall,” Kim Needy, dean of the graduate school and co-chair of the campaign, said. “Our goal is to raise $170,000 for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas to help these children. Our second goal is to get all our faculty and staff members to participate in this campaign.”