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The 51��Ʒ��Ƶ United Way Campaign is underway, with a goal of raising $750,000 to support our neighbors.

For decades, United Way has worked to alleviate some of the most pressing problems in the region — from providing financial stability education to ensuring families have necessities.

Members of the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community have given significantly to those efforts, contributing millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours, and the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community is again encouraged to pledge their generous support.

This year’s campaign is also hosting various events including a �����Ի������� .

“Participation in the United Way workplace campaign aligns with 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s mission as a public university, with community service and engagement central to our purpose,” said Dave DeJong, senior vice chancellor for business and operations and chair of this year’s campaign. “The campaign brings staff and faculty together to aid local organizations and community members, making meaningful, lasting differences in the communities we serve.”

Nearly 1,900 51��Ʒ��Ƶ faculty, staff and retirees donated $702,602 in last year’s campaign — with an average gift of $339 at 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh, a record for the campus.

Kelly Gilliam, manager of the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ United Way campaign, is asking the community this year to do their part and to give what they can.

“The United Way plays a significant role within the greater community. Their reach is far and wide, and they give local nonprofits the tools they need to reach their organizational goals and to provide help within their respective communities,” Gilliam said.

51��Ʒ��Ƶ community members are encouraged to visit the to learn more about the campaign and keep up to date on events. 51��Ʒ��Ƶ United Way can also be found on . Questions can be directed to 51��Ʒ��ƵUnitedWay [at] pitt.edu or by calling 412-624-5800.

How to donate

United Way's comprehensive approach involves strategic investment of resources across the region. Essentially, they direct funds to agencies and organizations achieving results in various areas. Donors can select for their contribution to go toward a diverse and expansive list of participating nonprofits.

Donations can also be directed to the which focuses on three key areas:

• Meeting people’s basic needs of shelter, safety and food, especially in times of crisis and situations when help can’t wait
• Helping families and individuals build financial stability through practical tools, such as budget planning and support such as access to childcare and transportation
• Providing educational content, positive role models and building confidence and self-worth

Faculty and staff began contributing to the campaign in various ways on Oct. 3.

For 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh, Greensburg and Johnstown

Donations can be automatically deducted from payroll, or eligible employees can donate up to 15 vacation hours toward the campaign. Both options can be selected on through the United Way app, and donors can choose to remain anonymous. To make monetary and vacation-time donations, please make 2 transactions.

Those who gave via payroll deduction last year will have their donation automatically roll over, and the deadline for payroll deduction changes and vacation time donation is Dec. 14. Any changes to current payroll pledges must be made before this deadline. New payroll deduction pledges can be made through the end of April. Though 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s campaign will run until the end of April 2023, organizers encourage 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community members to make their pledges before that payroll deduction and vacation hours donation deadline.

With questions, contact Kelly Gilliam, 51��Ʒ��Ƶ United Way Campaign manager; Angie Coldren at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ-Greensburg (amp8 [at] pitt.edu); or Karla Kitner at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ-Johnstown (Kgarman [at] pitt.edu).

For Bradford and Titusville

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��DzԳٲ�������Jenna Swanson (jds204 [at] pitt.edu) and James Baldwin (jlb20 [at] pitt.edu) at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ-Bradford or Stephanie Fiely (stthomas [at] pitt.edu) at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ-Titusville with questions.

Get involved

The 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community will have the opportunity to participate in virtual and in-person United Way events this year. In addition to those highlighted here, be sure to review the full list of events, and register on the .

Kit packing and collection event

1:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 19 (O'Hara Student Center Ballroom, 2nd floor)

Drop by O’Hara between 1:30-3:30 p.m. to help pack literacy kits, STEM kits, and weekend food bags for people in need. You can also donate household cleaning items (toilet paper, paper towels, mops, brooms and dustpans, laundry detergent, etc.) and baby diapers and wipes.

This event is open to all staff, faculty, students and retirees. is encouraged, but not required.  

Experiences raffle

Now through Oct. 23 (Virtual)

For just $5, you could win a behind-the-scenes tour at the 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, enjoy a tour and tasting at Narcisi Winery, or spend an afternoon at Top Golf with Campaign Chair and Senior Vice President Business and Operations Dave DeJong.

Raffle tickets are on sale through Oct. 23, and winners will be announced live Oct. 25 on the United Way YouTube page.