Grambling State University kicked its United Way of Northeast Louisiana 2015 campaign off on Monday, October 19. Since 2007 GSU has participated in raising money in support of United Way.
United Way is known for targeting issues that affect the community such as education, income, health and even emergency needs to help others. United Way operates by working with donors, several organizations and volunteers.
Monica Bradley
Faculty and administrators were given a tour of the various partner organizations. They were able to view the hard work alongside the impact that United Way has on the community. The partner organizations include; NELA Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Med-Camps of Louisiana, Inc., The Family Counseling Center at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Boys and Girls Clubs NCLA, D.A.R.T and Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana.
Upon completion of the presentation, the team attended a “Lunch and Learn” meeting. Selected Organizations informed attendees’ brief information about each program offered and discussed ideas and ways for GSU to make a bigger contribution.
President Willie Larkin and Dr. Vivian Larkin are enthusiastic about the campaign. Dr. Vivian Larkin will be volunteering for the Read, Learn, Succeed Program at Alma J. Brown Elementary. They both have a passion for public service. President Larkin announced the need for collaborations and partnership in order to grow and expand.
GSU has a long history of being a community leader in giving. At Grambling State University, this campaign effort offers several ways to give. Payroll deductions, which breaks the donation into payments over an extended period of time. Payroll deductions contributions will begin January 2016 and will be taken out monthly up through December 2016, or as specified. One-Time donations are accepted as well. Cash should be taken to the Cashier’s window in Long-Jones Hall, and checks should be made out to United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Pledge cards is needed for every option to donate.
Students are encouraged to get involved and volunteer. Several of the Community Partners have a need for volunteers throughout the year. For more information on how you can volunteer, contact Dr. Rory Bedford, the director of Service Learning at extension 2547.
Thanks to the generous support of faculty, staff and students, community senior citizens received a warm meal, a child received a much needed mentor, and a family member is getting assistance to make it through a crisis. All of this would not be possible without donations. Pledges may be turned in by Nov. 6. The Closing ceremony will be Nov. 17 in Eddie G. Robinson Museum.