United Way Employee Campaign Begins: Goal $135,000

Since January, Middlesex United Way has helped keep more than 170 families from becoming homeless, and its support of area food pantries and soup kitchens has helped them provide more than 780,000 meals to hungry Middlesex County residents.

And since 1935, Wesleyan employees have responded to the needs of the community by participating in the annual United Way Employee Campaign. This year’s goal is to top $135,000.

“It is more important than ever for us at Wesleyan to show support for the larger community of which we are a part,” said President Roth in an all-campus e-mail. “In today’s economy, in which those in the lower half of the income scale are in especial difficulty, community support is more important than ever. Many of our neighbors are in need, and the United Way is the means through which we can help them.”

Professor Bill Johnston is serving as campaign chair this year. Johnston is professor of history, professor of East Asian Studies, chair of the Asian Languages and Literatures Department and professor of science in society.

“I’m asking that employees give just $2 a week or $104 a year, he says. “That small gift can do so much for people in our community.”

Johnston also asks those who give regularly to consider increasing their donation.

United Way has begun a “Five Year Goals for the Common Good” plan in the areas of education, income, health and housing. The organization supports Habitat for Humanity, the John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency, Middlesex Hospital, Middletown Youth Services Bureau, Amazing Grace food pantry, the YMCA of Northern Middlesex Country and others. The full directory is online here. The mission of Middlesex United Way is to mobilize the caring power of communities to strengthen lives and help people.

Wesleyan employees will soon receive a United Way form from their department representative. Donors can make a one-time gift or make weekly or monthly pledges.

For more information on United Way, visit their website, http://www.middlesexunitedway.org/.