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United Way 2012 Campaign Begins at Mississippi College


Mississippi College faculty and staff contributed a school record of $22,004 last year to United Way, with supporters seeking to top that level again this fall.

United Way of the Capital Area supports more than 50 human service programs in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties with many ways to help those less fortunate. It could be a donation to help the Magnolia Speech School, the Shelter for Battered Women and Children, Goodwill Industries or Christians in Action.

“As we turn our thoughts to fall football and soccer games and the joyous holiday season, it’s time to remember the children, teens, single moms and seniors who count on United Way donations each year,” MC President Lee Royce says in an email this week to the university’s family.

Royce has participated in developing United Way campaigns since 1993. “I believe this is a tremendous way to address so many needs,” he said. “Giving to others remains a way of life in Mississippi, which traditionally ranks among the top states in the nation when it comes to charitable giving.”

As Acts 20:35 states in the Bible, “It is more blessed to give than receive.”

Last year, MC’s 40 percent participation rate was No. 1 among the area’s colleges, but school officials continue to press to drive that number a little higher. “Giving to those less fortunate has always been an important aspect of MC’s heritage,” Royce noted.

The Mississippi College campaign begins in early October and should wrap up in early November. The 5,145-student Christian university is home to 500 faculty and staff members.

To spark more donations, faculty and staff making contributions are eligible to win restaurant gift cards with a value of $25 each.

United Way CEO and President Carol Burger sums up her non-profit organization’s efforts in a few words. United Way, she said, “brings together people and resources to solve problems at their root causes.”

Monica Daniels, vice president for resource development at United Way, plans to visit the MC campus in Clinton Monday to discuss the campaign with faculty members.

Supporting education projects, healthcare, financial needs and much more, United Way officials kicked off their 2012 campaign in metro Jackson in late September with a parade of champions to celebrate heroes in the community.

Shari Barnes serves as Mississippi College’s United Way coordinator. For further information, contact Barnes, MC’s community service center director, at 601.925.3267 or sbarnes@mc.edu.