United Way fund drive kicks off for faculty
by Joshua Snow

The United Way’s mission statement includes “increasing the organized capacity of people to care for one another.” They intend on adhering to that promise by continuing their annual fund drive here on Virginia Wesleyan’s campus in the coming weeks.

For almost as long as the United Way has been in existence in the Hampton Roads area, Virginia Wesleyan has been a main contributor to its cause. William T. Joseph, the Vice-President for Business Affairs, has been heading up the fund-drive at Virginia Wesleyan for more than twenty years.

“What we ask is that citizens of the area come together in support of these local programs.” Joseph said.

Among the programs that the United way supports are,the Suicide Crisis hotline, the Boys and Girls Club of South Hampton Roads, Meals On Wheels, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Last year VWC collected more than $9000 through flat donations and voluntary payroll deductions from faculty and staff. There was a relatively high level of faculty participation last year in part because with payroll deductions, there comes an opportunity to have a say as to what organization your money will support (just so long as the agency you choose to support is one that is United Way certified).

Even though there is not an active campaign for students on campus they are more than welcome to contribute as well.

Joseph explained the importance of giving to the United Way by putting it into in simple terms.

“One in five people in the Hampton Roads area,” he said, “receives help from one of the United Way’s agencies.”

Anyone interested in donating to United Way should contact Lauren Trimmer in the business office at ext. 3309 by October 17.

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