united way participants collect packets and talk to people at booth about how to be involved.

OSU kicks off United Way of Payne County 2024-25 Campaign

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications and Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9782 | sydney.trainor@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University launched its United Way 2024-25 Campaign with a kickoff event to announce a goal to raise $300,000.

The event welcomed faculty and staff campuswide to learn how to be active supporters, along with introducing the OSU campaign co-chairs, Drs. Jim Payne and Julie Weathers.

United Way of Payne County and OSU have many fundraising events for faculty, staff and students to attend, along with department-specific events that are open to the public. People interested in giving can donate in many ways.

Dean Payne — Dr. Jim Payne, Spears School of Business dean and OSU United Way co-chair.

Ruth Cavins, UWPC executive director, suggests that employees use payroll deductions as their primary form of donation.

“Payroll deduction is convenient for employees wanting to donate. It allows them to set the amount, and they can align it with their personal budget,” Cavins said.

Employees also have the chance to donate through bank drafts, cash or credit card donations.

Giving back to the Payne County community encourages a strong culture within the workplace. It can help foster positive connections between coworkers and build UWPC donor loyalty.

OSU and UWPC have partnered for 70 years, and the university is currently its largest workplace contributor. Around 200 OSU employees are UWPC captains of departments or organizations and actively work to involve the mission of UWPC with students and staff.

Students wanting to support United Way are encouraged to attend events being held on campus by different colleges and departments.

The Spears School of Business is hosting a soup and grilled cheese event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 . Students pay $7 and get a grilled cheese sandwich, soup and a drink.

Students can also donate through Our Blood Institute blood drives on campus. OBI has decided to give $15 to UWPC for every successful blood donation they receive. For the contribution to apply, students must schedule their appointment through the UWPC Donable link 48 hours before donation.

UWPCs yearly Day of Caring event is on Sept. 19. The event will include a blood drive, lunch and an after party at Stonecloud Brewing Company for all volunteers.

Residents wanting more hands-on volunteer work can research the many nonprofits and organizations the UWPC supports through its volunteer portal.

For more information about UWPC and its overarching mission, staff and students can scan a QR code on the thermometer outside the Student Union. This will navigate them to a landing page showing all the times and dates for upcoming events, where they will be held, and additional information about United Way.

UWPC is actively working to raise money for the Payne County community, ensuring residents and families have a safe place, warm meals and proper education. With the support of OSU students and staff, United Way has the chance to impact families and communities around Payne County positively.

Story By: Darby Rains | darby.rains@okstate.edu