United Way offers students chance to give to community
Riis Valcho
There is an opportunity for Mesa Community College to step up to a real challenge this fall semester. Starting Oct. 15 and ending Nov. 26, the Maricopa County Community College District kicks off its annual United Way fund raising campaign with MCC looking to take the lead this year in total funds raised in the district.
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Reach out a hand to someone and influence the condition of all’.
There is no minimum donation required, only what a person feels driven to give to the United Way and its affiliated agencies.
Student donations are tax deductable on next year’s tax filings.
It all starts off on the 15 with an encouraging message from MCC President Shouan Pan to students, faculty, and staff through the e-mail system at my.maricopa.edu.
All in an effort to collect needed donations, door prizes will be given away and there will be an on-line auction with autographed sports memorabilia from local sports teams.
Janet Felton, MCC’s campus coordinator, as well as executive assistant in the office of the president for MCC, said that the school is working closely with all campus clubs and the Office of Student Life to help spread the word about donating and events surrounding the fund raising.
“Our goal is 100 percent participation by students this year,” Felton said.
“We understand that we are going through an economic crunch, but it is a chance to help others around us. All monies donated goes back to our local community.”
Felton stresses whatever amount is given is greatly appreciated.
Traditionally, over the years, MCCCD starts the challenge by asking its affiliated colleges though out the district to meet and exceed each campus’ fund raising goals, which they are striving for.
This year, MCC is looking to raise more than $30,000 in the 41-day time period.
However, it does not come without its challenges.
Felton noted with regret that although MCC has the largest student body population of all the MCCCD campuses, Mesa has ranked near the bottom in past years for over all funds raised.
Felton hopes it can be a positive challenge to the MCC community to step up and give to others with difficult needs, even in a tougher economy.
