UNL is again aiming to impact the lives of thousands by participating in the Lincoln-area Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services.
The annual community pledge drive runs from Oct. 19-30. UNL's theme for the drive is "Give Today. Change Tomorrow."
The Combined Campaign benefits three federations — Community Health Charities of Nebraska, Community Services Fund and United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. The three federations represent more than 110 local agencies that assist members of the community.
"The UNL Combined Campaign is an opportunity to demonstrate a solid sense of commitment to our community," Chancellor Harvey Perlman said. "Your gift is important to send a unified message of support from the entire university to the community as a whole."
UNL is consistently one of the top fundraisers for the drive. Last year, UNL employees gave $397,833 toward the effort. The total was third overall by companies/organizations that participated in the drive.
Combined Campaign pledge materials will be delivered to UNL employees. Pledges can be made online or by turning in pledge cards. Employees may give to any specific agency or to the three general funds. A variety of giving options are offered. Pledge cards are due Oct. 30.
Juan Franco, vice chancellor for student affairs, is the 2016 UNL Combined Campaign chair.
"Each year, we have a shared opportunity to make Nebraska and the world a better place through the Combined Campaign," Franco said. "Your gift to any of the charities represented can make a tremendous, positive difference in the quality of life for many individuals who need our help. Through this campaign, we also have the opportunity to support many organizations that make up the very fabric of our community."
Franco hopes 100 percent of UNL employees participate in the campaign.
"We I ask each member of the university community to think carefully about the positive change you can make through a gift of any size," Franco said. "This is our opportunity to show the world that we care about our community."
To date, UNL employees have contributed more than $6 million to the campaign.
Examples of gift impacts include:
• A $10 donation can pay for books about science for the Lincoln Children's Museum reading area or provides training materials for four new United Way mentors.
• A $25 donation can provide more than 1,160 pounds of food to those who need it or pay for a travel bag and activities to keep a Make-A-Wish participate busy during a plane ride.
• A $50 donation can provide emergency housing for a family fleeing domestic violence or purchase two parent care kits for families with babies in a neonatal intensive-care unit.
• A $100 donation can provide rent or utility assistance to a struggling family or provide a treatment plan and medical consultation for a person in need.
For more information about the 2016 UNL Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services, visit http://go.unl.edu/combinedcampaign.
— Troy Fedderson, University Communications
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/combinedcampaign