Clemson employees have made a tradition of coming out in force for United Way. For the last four years, Clemson’s campaign has been in the top ten of all United Way efforts in Pickens County, and organizers hope to break another record with this year’s campaign that runs Oct. 2 through Oct. 20.
Last year’s donations to the United Way of Pickens County (UWPC) smashed the 2021 campaign’s numbers, raising a total of $107,345, despite being half as long as previous years – three weeks instead of six. The 2022 campaign also had four times as many new donors (68) as 2021, which had 17.
“I consider United Way’s partnership with Clemson University to be incredibly unique, impactful, and invaluable to our community,” said UWPC President Julie Capaldi. “For example, Clemson University has provided our United Way with research and data that has enabled us to leverage funding for the community, and United Way has prepared tax returns for Clemson University’s international students. These are just two examples of the powerful relationship between Clemson University and United Way. The longevity and impact of the Clemson United Way Campaign, another valued partnership, really speaks to Clemson’s commitment to our community. Over the past few decades, through the United Way Employee Giving Campaign, Clemson University employees have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars across multiple communities to help their struggling neighbors. I have no doubt that through their generosity this year, Clemson University employees will change even more lives.”
Each local United Way is independently governed and focused on identifying local issues in their community and finding solutions unique to that community.
The Clemson Employee United Way Campaign is unique in that it has a state-wide reach to communities across South Carolina. When employees donate, their gifts stay in the community in which they live — helpful to know if you work and live in a place other than the city of Clemson. For those who work and live near main campus, which is the lion’s share of Clemson’s contributors, their gifts go to Pickens County and support the following programs:
Education
- Camp iRock is the Pickens UW summer reading program that helps children improve their reading abilities in an enriching summer camp environment.
- Born Learning, BrightByText, and Preschool Pages are also education-related initiatives.
Financial Stability
- Pathways is an intensive, one-on-one financial coaching program. Participants typically spend 6-18 months in the program covering topics like debt, credit, and budgeting. Pathways aims to give participants the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to achieve freedom over their finances.
- Free File is a free tax preparation service prepared by trained and IRS-certified volunteers.
Head softball coach John Rittman returns as this year’s volunteer chair for the campaign.
“Through our United Way campaign last year, we changed lives across multiple communities because of your generosity,” he said. “But the work is not done. The time is now to make brighter futures for our neighbors in our community. Please join me in the fight today to live united for the future!”
Faculty and Staff Lunch Events
Organizers of the 2023 Clemson United Way campaign have teamed up with Aramark to offer several events where faculty and staff can enjoy refreshments and learn more about the United Way. All events are from 12-1 p.m.:
October 3: Owen Pavilion
October 12: Burton Gallery
October 19: North Green Lawn (located between the Outdoor Theatre and Carillon Gardens, directly across from Brackett Hall)
You can donate to United Way via cash, check, credit card, or (most recommended) payroll deduction by visiting the United Way of Pickens County website. If you have donated via payroll deduction previously, your donation will roll over this year and no action is necessary. If you wish to increase your donation amount, you can do so through the link.