UM United Campaign Way Underway

Goal is $150,000 for annual fundraiser to benefit LOU community

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi annual United Way campaign is underway with a goal of raising at least $150,000 of the United Way’s $525,000 communitywide goal.

“Oxford has recently lost several large businesses, and this impacts both our ability to raise funds and the people that need United Way assistance,” said Lucile McCook, instructional professor and curator of the Pullen Herbarium who serves as co-chair of the campus campaign with University Police Officer Thelma Curry. “It is my hope that you will all speak with your colleagues about the importance of United Way and encourage them to give to the workplace campaign.”

The university accounts for about 30 percent of the community fundraising goal.

“Our local United Way is proud to partner with the University of Mississippi in order to improve lives and meet needs throughout the Lafayette-Oxford-University community,” said Kurt Brummett, executive director of United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County.

“The university’s support is vital to our mission and I sincerely appreciate all of our donors, volunteers, partners and advocates on campus, as our organization cannot make such a significant difference in the lives of others without their generosity and dedication.”

Committee members encourage university employees to participate in Fair Share, Associate or Leadership giving plans. Fair Share givers contribute one hour’s wages each month to the United Way. Associate givers donate $250 to $499. Leadership givers contribute at least $500.

Ninety-nine percent of the money raised for United Way stays in Lafayette County to help fund 16 or more local charities, including American Red Cross of North Mississippi, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, Dignity Period Oxford, Doors of Hope Transition Ministries, Exchange Club Family Center, Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi, Girl Scouts Heart of the South, Good Food for Oxford Schools, Horizons at the University of Mississippi, Interfaith Compassion Ministry, Lafayette County Literacy Council, Leap Frog Program, LOU Saves, North Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Oxford Community Market, Special Olympics Mississippi – Area IV and Three Rivers Planning and Development District.

“A donation to the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County provides the means to touch every age group and demographic in our community,” Brummett said. “All funding decisions are locally driven and our award process ensures accountability as applicants must demonstrate the positive outcomes of their programs as well as the severity of the needs being addressed.”

“Your contribution will truly make a difference,” McCook said. “For example, a gift of only $5 per pay period provides four children a free book each month. A gift of $10 per pay period provides 100 healthy meals for homebound seniors. A gift of $25 per pay period can provide food to a family of four for a month.”

All Ole Miss employees receive pledge cards, allowing them to pay gifts in full or in installments through payroll deduction. Other giving options include text-to-give, online donations, intradepartmental competitions and student organization-led events.

“Regardless of the method or amount, please give,” McCook said. “Thank you for believing in our local United Way’s mission and your assistance in making our LOU community a great place to live.”

For more information, contact Brummett at 662-236-4265 or at Kurt@unitedwayoxfordms.org.