Faculty and Staff Exceed Mississippi College 2012 United Way Goal

MC President Lee Royce

Mississippi College faculty and staff contributed a record $25,387 to United Way agencies this fall, new reports show.

President Lee Royce commended the efforts in an email to faculty and staff Wednesday morning.

“Your participation and the dollars given means much to United Way and to those who benefit from your generosity,” Royce said. “Thank you for caring about this cause.”

Last year, MC faculty and staff contributed $22,004 to United Way of the Capital Area. This year’s total represents a healthy 15 percent increase.

Funds go to such agencies as the Clinton Christian Community Corporation. Located at 2001 West Northside Drive in Clinton, the 4Cs serves hot meals to senior citizens who are homebound, and operates a thrift store that sells new and used items to the public.

The Magnolia Speech School, the Shelter for Battered Women and Children, and Goodwill Industries are among other agencies that benefit from United Way dollars in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties.

More than 200 MC faculty and staff members made United Way contributions this fall, a robust 38 percent giving rate among the Christian university’s 500-plus employees.

President Royce has been a United Way campaign leader since 1993.

“I believe it is a tremendous way to address so many needs,” he said.

Mississippians have always had a big heart when it comes to charitable giving, and year after year the Magnolia State is among the nation’s leaders.

Mississippi College also ranks at the top among Jackson metro colleges when it comes to its percentage of United Way donations.

During tough economic times, United Way campaigns are vital to the communities and agencies they serve.

“It brings together people and resources to solve problems at their root cause,” says Carol Burger, CEO of the United Way of the Capital Area.

Mississippi College’s 2012 campaign began in October and again was led by Shari Barnes, director of the Community Service Center. The effort included the main Clinton campus, the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson and the Flowood Center in Rankin County.

For more information, contact Shari Barnes at 601.925.3267.