United Way campus fund drive will begin Oct. 1 with Kickoff Fair

LAWRENCE — The 2018 United Way of Douglas County campus fund drive begins Oct. 1 with a Kickoff Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawns in front of Watson Library and Stauffer-Flint Hall.

Kevin Smith, dean of KU Libraries and chair of this year’s KU United Way campaign, spoke about how exciting the launch of the campaign is for KU.

“Each year, our United Way campaign is an opportunity for the campus to work together to accomplish something that makes a real, significant difference in our community,” Smith said. “This is one of the most important ways that KU partners with so many of our neighbors in Lawrence and Douglas County.”

United Way representatives will be at the Kickoff Fair with information about how they assist the residents of Douglas County, including KU staff and students, with health, education and financial stability.

Additionally, representatives of each of the 25 partner organizations will be on campus to share their missions. The KU Center for Community Outreach will also be available to offer opportunities for students to volunteer in the local area.

Plenty of United Way swag will be given away, and free hot dogs, popcorn and beverages will be served to all who stop by for information.

The fund drive will end on Stop Day, Dec. 7. The goal is for the Lawrence campus to raise $222,222, which is more than 10 percent of Douglas County United Way’s total budget.