A chance to help: Annual charity campaign to begin

The University launches its annual Campaign for the United Way/Crusade of Mercy and Other Charities this month. This year, the University hopes to raise $255,000 for charitable organizations.

In a letter to the University community (see page 2), President Sonnenschein encourages faculty and staff members to contribute to the campaign.

"In order to respond to the problems of homelessness, child abuse and other social ills, it is increasingly important that charitable agencies receive assistance from those of us who are willing and able to give," Sonnenschein said. "Through the University's Campaign . . . we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our neighbors."

Last year's United Way and Other Charities Campaign raised $243,000.

Through the University's United Way/Crusade of Mercy and Other Charities Campaign, members of the faculty and staff may support any charity they choose, including the more than 400 United Way agencies as well as any other established charity in the United States.

The Chicago United Way/Crusade of Mercy is an independent organization governed by local volunteers. More than 90 percent of the organization's funds go directly to people in need in the Chicago area. Through area agencies, support is provided to the poor, the homeless and the ill, as well as to day-care programs, alcohol- and drug-abuse counseling and many other services.

Details on how to contribute to the campaign will be mailed to University employees. Options include lump-sum donations and payroll deductions.