The Clemson Family has made a tradition of coming out in force for United Way. For the last three years, Clemson’s campaign has been in the top ten of all United Way efforts in Pickens County, and organizers hope to keep that streak going with this year’s campaign that runs Oct. 3 through Oct. 24.
For the 2021 campaign, Clemson was the number one workplace campaign at United Way Pickens County (UWPC) with more than $105,000 invested across multiple communities through employee and emeritus giving.
“For decades, Clemson University and its employees have been invaluable in improving lives in our community through the Clemson University United Way Campaign,” said Julie Capaldi, president of UWPC. “Now more than ever, we are calling on Clemson University to help our neighbors who are still struggling. Through the 2022 Clemson University United Way Campaign, employees can make a difference in communities across South Carolina.”
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 is this year’s volunteer chair for the campaign.
“In the past two years, there have been many hardships across our community, our country and our world,” he said. “United Way has been responding to these hardships and the needs of our community. The work that needs to be done to help our neighbors will not happen automatically. It’s going to happen when everyone in our community is willing to lend support to the people who need it the most. Together as a team and a Clemson Family, we can do so much to help. I look forward to everyone stepping up to the plate by giving to the Clemson United Way Campaign. Let’s knock it out of the park this year!”
You can donate to United Way via cash, check, credit card, or (most recommended) payroll deduction by going to this link. 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.
