Dear Faculty and Staff,

October kicks off the annual United Way and Northwest Ohio Community Shares Campaign at Bowling Green State University.

The downturn in the economy makes one thing certain: tough times have become even tougher. United Way and Community Shares programs are needed more than ever.

Our neighbors continue to struggle as their homes are decreasing in value and jobs are cut or reduced. Utility and food costs are affecting many individuals and families. This has resulted in a greater demand for services and support. Some members of our community are not able to meet the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Many of you have wondered how you could help those in need. The United Way Northwest Ohio Community Shares campaign is one way of assisting. Because the need was magnified during the past year, your participation in supporting these programs is very important. Please consider making a donation at a level you are comfortable with, whether it is a single gift or a donation made monthly through payroll deductions.

You will receive a mailing from United Way shortly with information describing two opportunities to give. One will be a traditional pledge card; the other will be an electronic link for an online pledge card. Please feel free to use either option.

At Bowling Green State University, we are proud of our distinction of being an engaged university. This once-a-year request to support United Way and Northwest Ohio Community Shares is your opportunity to maintain our reputation of caring about the communities where we live and work.

I am a longtime advocate for supporting these types of services. Please join me in helping local families who face economic hardships by making a donation this year to the BGSU United Way/Northwest Ohio Community Shares campaign.