Although the United Way of Lafayette-Oxford-University has fallen short of its 2012 campus goal, contributions are still being accepted.
A University of Mississippi campus committee did not reach its fundraising goal for the United Way of Lafayette-Oxford-University in 2012 but has not given up on reaching it.
A campus goal of $165,000 was set by Ole Miss faculty, staff and students. By the end of the campaign, which concluded in December, the Ole Miss committee had only raised $146,000.
The committee has currently raised $155,000 for its 2012 goal.
“They (the Ole Miss community) raised about $174,000 last year (2011), which was an all-time high,” said Kathy Sukanek, United Way’s local executive director.
Lucile McCook, co-chair of the United Way campus committee, said she has seen changes in the 2012 campaign compared to previous years.
“One thing I’ve noticed is that quite a few people that are regular givers are starting to retire,” McCook said.
“There have been quite a few retirements this year, and I think that makes a big difference when you look at our campaign.”
Sukanek also noted changes from the previous campaign.
“Some special events were done and car parking was done last year,” Sukanek said. “Some of that was done this year but not as much as last year.”
One-time donations are accepted as well as pledges through payroll deduction.
“Many givers give by payroll deduction,” McCook said.
Sukanek said the money raised goes toward supporting programs in the community to help with education and income.
“We support 38 or 39 programs and about 18 different agencies,” Sukanek said.
The United Way focuses its time on education, income and health to help make a difference in the community.
“We try to get people to give, advocate and to volunteer,” McCook said.
“We want people to advocate for these different organizations and encourage volunteerism.”
McCook said the 2013 campaign strategy might be altered to produce better results.
“We don’t run a very aggressive campaign; we may need to change that because we do need to reach out and educate people about what United Way does,” McCook said.
“We may have to change our strategy and go into education mode to let people know what we do in the community.”
