Changemakers unite — and volunteer

For more than two decades, the University of Pittsburgh has partnered with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to tackle some of the greatest problems in our community.

Millions of dollars have been raised and thousands of volunteer hours logged to help families and individuals experiencing great need during difficult and trying times. But there is still more work to do — whether through a donation of money or time.

The 2021-2022 Pitt United Way Campaign, themed changemakers unite, officially kicks off Friday, Oct. 1. Every member of the Pitt community is encouraged to pledge their support through my.pitt.edu or a pledge form to help the University reach its goal of raising $750,000.

Pledges can be made to specific organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania (PDF), agencies identified to make the most impact, Pitt and UPMC research (PDF) or to the United Way general fund.

And, new this year, returning donors will automatically have their pledges from last year rollover to the new campaign.

Kelly Gilliam, manager of the Pitt United Way campaign, is asking the community to do their part and to give what they can.

“The United Way plays a significant role within the greater community. Their reach is far and wide, and they give local nonprofits the tools they need to reach their organizational goals and to provide help within their respective communities.”

Pitt’s campaign will run until the end of April 2022, but organizers encourage people to make their pledges by Dec. 13, 2021.

Questions can be directed to PittUnitedWay [at] pitt.edu or by calling 412-624-5800.

Kickoff events

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the William Pitt Union, representatives from Pitt United Way will be collecting cleaning supplies such as laundry baskets, detergent, mops and other items as well as baby supplies of wipes and diapers sizes 2 and up to donate to families in need. Students, faculty and staff are all encouraged to drop by with donations.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m., Mark Henderson, senior vice chancellor and chief information office and campaign chair, will join Bobbi Watt Geer, CEO and president of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, for a virtual kick-off to the campaign

Additional members of the Pitt community who are leading the campaign include Betsy Farmer, dean of the School of Social Work, who will serve as chair of the Women’s Leadership Council, and John Wilds, retired vice chancellor of community affairs, who will serve as retirement chair.

See the full list of events and register on the Pitt United Way website. As a reminder, faculty and staff can record up to 8 hours per week on their timecard for volunteer service with supervisor approval.

Helping through the pandemic

Between March 2020 and April 2021, the United Way:

• Provided more than 1,285,588 meals to area children who qualified for but were not able to receive school and summer nutrition services due of the pandemic.

• Launched a 10-county transportation network to deliver 813,153 meals, 13,048 non-perishable food boxes, 30,247 diapers and 15,183 personal protection equipment items.

• Responded to 233,758 requests for help through 211, a vital connection to social and human services.

• Awarded $720,212 in the form of 1,240 grants to individuals and families specifically impacted by disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Sauntee Turner