Staff, faculty and students at the School of Information Studies (iSchool) are geared for several weeks of food, fun and fundraising as they kick off the iSchool’s efforts to help raise money for the United Way of Central New York during its annual community campaign.
The iSchool’s United Way activities begin this week and run through December. They are being held in conjunction with Syracuse University’s overarching efforts to assist the local United Way chapter, which helps fund the work of 33 local non-profit health and human service agencies throughout Onondaga County.
The iSchool’s 2018 campaign committee is repeating some of the “old favorite” activities as well as introducing new ways to raise funds while sharing in some fun. Here’s what is scheduled:
Lunch and Bake Sale #1
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of Hinds Hall this Thursday, hot-lunch favorite dishes and baked goods, all homemade and donated by students, staff and faculty, will be available for sale to the campus community.
Lunch and Bake Sale #2
On Thursday, Dec. 6, a second lunch and bake sale will be held, also from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and also taking place in the first-floor lobby of Hinds Hall. The sales are cash-preferred events.
“Terrible Turkey” Contest
Staff and faculty are being nominated for the “honor” of wearing a “Terrible Turkey” costume for a day, and the community can vote for their favorite pick – the person they want to see wear that costume – with cash and coin donations. The idea is that the person raising the most money “wins,” and so gets to wear the full-length turkey costume on Thursday, December 6. Jars for voting are located on the first floor (Student Services, 114) and third floor (Dean’s Suite, 343).
Pet Pics
For staff, faculty and students whose pets are like their alter-egos, iSchool staff and faculty can picture their pets in place of their own photos for a donated fee. The “people” photos on the lobby wall in Hinds Hall and on the school’s web site directory can be replaced during December for a United Way contribution. For $5 (for the lobby photo replacement) or $10 (for both lobby and online directory photo replacements) you can show your pet pride while contributing to the cause. Those wanting to participate should send their donation and the pet’s photo to Adrienne Graves at algraves@syr.edu .
Basket Raffles
Two baskets of items are being raffled, with donations being collected for chances to win. Tickets are being sold and the baskets are on display in both Hinds Room 114 (Student Services) and Hinds Room 343 (Dean’s Suite). Donations will be collected through December 6, and two winners will be drawn that day.
Donations – Payroll Deduction
Direct contributions as well as payroll-deduction donations are available online for anyone who wants to contribute to United Way. Through the Syracuse University portal, “My Slice,” contributors can choose one-time or payroll deduction contributions, and can select how they want their dollars to be distributed.
Michael Clarke, director of digital strategy at the iSchool, is coordinating campaign efforts within the school this year. He explained how one in five people in the community is impacted by the work of United Way agencies. “We always have fun helping United Way of Central New York, but the work the organization does is serious and impactful. Thousands of our neighbors are helped every year in very tangible ways by our contributions, and by how those dollars are distributed by the United Way. I encourage you to log into MySlice and pledge your gift to United Way today. It takes less than five minutes and makes a real impact for thousands of Central New Yorkers in need,” he noted.
Also serving on the campaign committee for 2018 are: Associate Professor Lu Xiao and staff members Margaret Craft, Adrienne Graves, Kevin Shults, and Diane Stirling.