University hopes to raise half of $210,000 county goal Oct. 29, 2007
By Michelle Davey
Pledge materials will be distributed in campus mail later this week for the annual United Appeal for Athens County campaign. The drive, which will provide funding for 13 area agencies, has an overall goal of $210,000, half of which Ohio University hopes to raise.
The university drive is co-chaired this year by Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith and AFSCME Local 1699 President Dave Logan.
"Ohio University receives support from the Athens community and has a responsibility to reciprocate," Smith said. "It is important for the university's employees to help make United Appeal's annual campaign a successful one because of the significant benefits to our local community."
Logan agrees. "They provide an important safety net that helps some of the poor and less fortunate in our community," Logan said, adding that he is pleased to co-chair this year's drive. "I am happy I was asked to do it. I look forward to working with Kent Smith on a successful campaign."
Agencies to receive funds from this year's efforts are:
- American Red Cross Athens County Chapter
- Athens County Habitat for Humanity
- Appalachian Community Visiting Nurse Association Hospice and Health Services
- Housing for Athens Senior Residents
- HAVAR
- Athens County Food Pantry
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County
- Girl Scouts Seal of Ohio Council
- Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council
- Tri-County Community Mental Health and Counseling's Epilepsy Services
- The Gathering Place
- Family Healthcare Services
- United Seniors of Athens County
"Certainly over the years the agencies have changed, but our goal has always been to allow donors to contribute to services that make a difference in their community," said Pam Harvey, executive director of United Appeal for Athens County. "Because the university is the biggest employer in the community, it has the biggest opportunity to reach folks and give them information about our services and the opportunity to give back to the community."
The university has been an important contributor to United Appeal since it began in 1955, Harvey said. During that first year, the drive had two aspects: a door-to-door division and a university division.
Ohio University employees can donate to United Appeal by using the pledge card sent through campus mail. Donations may be made by payroll deduction, check or credit card.
Additional information about United Appeal for Athens County is available at www.unitedappeal.org.
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