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United Way of Central Iowa
Once a year Drake University employees are invited to invest in United Way of Central Iowa, focused on the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community: Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity, and Health & Well-Being.
The 2024 United Way employee campaign will be held November 18-22. All full-time and regular part-time employees are encouraged to participate. Your optional contribution can be financial or needed supplies for area Des Moines Public School food pantries, or both. We have reinstated some fun, giving-level incentives as well with more details below.
The campaign will kick-off on Monday, November 18 with an email from Mary Sellers from United Way of Central Iowa. Some highlights to share:
- The campaign is part of our commitment as an anchor institution and to the Des Moines community
- One hundred percent of the funds donated remain in central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties)
- 10,544 people were served last year in the 50311 zip code
- United Way financially supports 15 organizations that are partners with Drake including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa
For any financial contributions to the campaign, we have reinstated giving level incentives to celebrate our participation. From free parking passes, many Starbucks gift-cards, basketball game tickets, and more! See below for more details and thank you to our many campus partners who made these incentives possible. Since Wednesday, Nov. 27 is already a full-day off, we are relying on your generosity of spirit for a productive giving campaign.
New this year: a supply drive in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) will be Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Breezeway. DMPS has requested:
- Plastic grocery bags (yes, the hundreds of these you have at home)
- Peanut butter
- Canned fruit & vegetables
- Cereal: bagged or boxed
- Rice: bagged or boxed
- Beans: canned
- Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers
Overall, our 2024 United Way of Central Iowa campaign goal is to exceed 33% participation from our full-time faculty and staff.
If you have any questions or do not receive the email from Mary Sellers on November 18th and wish to participate, please reach out to Nate Reagen.
Thank you for your support and generosity in advance!
| Giving Level | Incentive | Gratitude |
|---|---|---|
| One-time donation (any amount less than $60) |
Entry into drawing to receive:
|
Scott Law & Public Safety and Aaron Knudson & Sodexo |
| $5/month+ (or $60+) |
|
Kyle McVay & the Bulldog Shop |
| $10/month+ (or $120+) |
|
Tim Tesar & Drake Athletics |
| $42/month+ (or $504+) |
|
Tim Tesar & Drake Athletics, Erica Hartschen & Advancement |
| $84/month+ (or $1,008+) |
|
Tim Tesar & Drake Athletics, Erica Hartschen & Advancement |
The drawing for the incentives above will be held on Monday, 11/25 with winners notified the same day.
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