There is still time to make your pledge to the University’s 2009 United Way campaign.
Custodial Services in the School of Medicine’s Facilities Management Department has historically had a high participation rate. This year, nearly half of the division’s staff has pledged to the United Way.
One of the staff members who has pledged, Melvin Jarrett, facilities technician II, has been contributing to the University’s United Way campaign since he joined the medical school almost 25 years ago. And, in a recent drawing sponsored by the medical school in recognition of the strong participation by employees in Custodial Services, Jarrett won 50-yard line tickets for the Sept. 3 St. Louis Rams game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Andy Newman, a Washington University trustee and medical finance committee chair, donated the tickets.
Jarrett, who once received support from the United Way when he was unemployed, said he believes it’s valuable to have a community organization to help people out until they get back on their feet.
“If we are able to give, we should help someone who’s less fortunate,” he said. “Because you never know when you might be in those shoes.”
The University’s 2009 United Way campaign began Sept. 2 with a kickoff breakfast at Whittemore House. The University’s goal is to raise $600,000 for the United Way.
A gift or pledge, no matter how small, is helpful. A $250 gift, for example, can provide after-school care for one child in need for six weeks, or four days in a shelter with meals and counseling for an individual suffering from alcohol or chemical dependency.
A gift of $50 can provide swim lessons for 10 children from low-income families, or a complete outfit and school supplies for a child in need.
WUSTL offers employees two ways to contribute: via pledge cards, which were sent through campus mail, or online. The University encourages employees to contribute using a payroll deduction but will accept donations via cash, check and credit card.
Employees who need a pledge card can contact Lisa Caress at caresslisa@wustl.edu or 935-6087.
To pledge online, go to hr.wustl.edu, click on the HRMS self service/personal information button. After logging in, click on the Employee Self Service link in the top left-hand corner and then select United Way Pledges in the right-hand corner of the next page.