Mississippi College Launches 2018 United Way Campaign

Shari Barnes

Over the past decade, Mississippi College faculty and staff donated more than $166,000 to United Way agencies across metro Jackson.

MC remains the United Way leader among colleges in the Jackson area. On October 2, MC officials launched the Christian university’s 2018 campaign.

United Way supports dozens of human services programs in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties, all geared to help people less fortunate.

Gifts can assist the Magnolia Speech School, the Shelter for Battered Women and Children, and the 4 C’s in Clinton, among others.

“Please enhance the lives of many Mississippians who truly need your support,” says Shari Barnes, organizer of the United Way drive once again.

Thousands of children in after-school tutoring and recreation programs depend on United Way giving, Barnes noted. So do hundreds of Central Mississippi senior citizens needing assistance to receive meals and pay for utility bills.

The director of MC’s Community Service Center, Barnes reports that MC faculty and staff donated more than $16,133 to United Way agencies last year.

A trophy showing MC’s leadership role in United Way giving remains at her office at the B.C. Rogers Student Center on the Clinton campus. MC School of Law faculty and staff in Jackson also participate in United Way giving each year.

A donation of $50 will provide a week’s worth of fuel for one of the transportation vans at the Magnolia Speech School or Willowood Preschool.

Worldwide, United Way raises more than $5 billion every year. The money comes from 9.6 million donors.

Laurie Lawson, director of the 4C’s and leader of the MC social work program, says it’s always a joy to see solid United Way support from campus colleagues.

The Mississippi College campaign for United Way is expected to wrap up by the end of October.

For details, contact Shari Barnes at 601-925-3267 or sbarnes@mc.edu