United Way Campaign Nearing $25,000 Goal

MC student, Miriam Middleton, volunteering at 4C's of Clinton.

Mississippi College’s United Way campaign is making progress with faculty and staff contributing more than $15,000 so far.

For the university’s 550 employees, the MC goal this Fall is $25,000 with the United Way drive expected to wrap up prior to the Thanksgiving holidays.

The MC drive seeks to assist more than 30 United Way agencies in metro Jackson –  from the Magnolia Speech School to the 4C’s in Clinton and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We are getting close,” says Shari Barnes, coordinator for the United Way campaign on the Clinton campus.

Topping $15,236 is getting there, but not good enough, organizers say. The campaign began in early October. There are a couple more weeks to go before MC faculty and staff join millions of Americans counting their blessings over the Thanksgiving holidays.

Barnes wants MC employees to pray about what they can do for others needing a helping hand through United Way. At Baptist-affiliated Mississippi College, reaching out to others is a year-round way of life for faculty and staff.

“Mississippi College has been the leader among metro Jackson colleges in giving for several years,” Barnes said. “Help us reach our goal by making a donation to United Way.”

A little less than $10,000 needs to be generated at MC to reach the new $25,000 goal.

Over the past six years, Mississippi College faculty and staff members contributed more than $130,000 to United Way of the Capital Area. Last year, there was nearly $21,000 collected at MC.

One of the non-profit United Way-supported agencies, the Clinton Community Christian Corp, was started by MC students in 1971. Its leader today is MC graduate Laurie Lawson, who heads the university’s social work program.

“Support from United Way to the 4C’s is crucial to its programs – especially the programs for seniors,” Lawson says. It can make the difference for a homebound senior receiving a meal or getting transportation the doctor’s office.

Mississippi College’s 2012 United Way campaign recorded the highest total in recent years. That year, there was $27,417 generated from employees on the Clinton campus and at MC School of Law in Jackson.

A United Way leader since 1993, President Lee Royce continues to promote the Christian university’s campaign with vigor.

“I certainly hope you will help us step up our giving,” Royce said in a recent letter to faculty and staff members. “Please enhance the lives of many Mississippians who truly need your support. Thank you for your consideration and sharing.”

MC employees contribute dollars, but students help serve community needs as well. Each year, hundreds of MC students donate thousands of volunteer hours through United Way agencies.

For more information on the United Way drive, contact Shari Barnes at 601-925-3267 or sbarnes@mc.edu