BGSU joins effort to help those in need

United Way and Northwest Ohio Community Shares

BOWLING GREEN, O.—BGSU is getting behind the Wood County United Way and Northwest Ohio Community Shares campaign this year in a big way, said co-chairs Jill Carr, vice president for student affairs, and Sara Bushong, dean of the University Libraries.

The two organizations help support a wide variety of agencies in the community by pooling donations and providing administrative services. The many agencies and organizations under the two umbrellas provide assistance with everything from child care to education, health, housing and animal welfare. Donors can direct their pledges to specific organizations if they wish, and can donate by payroll deduction, check or credit card.

Donations made be made by ePledge or through campus mail. Visit the campaign website for more information and a list of participating organizations.

Carr and Bushong hope to increase the University’s overall level of participation this year by faculty, staff and retirees. Donors will be eligible for prizes to be awarded through a weekly drawing.

In addition to financial contributions, BGSU students, faculty and staff have contributed their time and energy this fall to making a better life for others in the community.

One of the first events to take place after the fall kickoff was Project Connect Wood County. United Way was among the community sponsors — which included the Wood County Committee on Aging and Cocoon Shelter — of the one-stop venue for homeless or highly disadvantaged people to have a hot meal, a haircut, get dental, medical and mental health services, receive food and clothing and have access to assistance with housing, utilities, employment and other services.

BGSU students volunteered for the Oct. 18 event, held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. More than 200 people received help that day.

Printmaking students of Dr. Janet Ballweg helped prepare for Project Connect by making 300 T-shirts. This was the second year the class has provided the service. The service-learning activity gave students experience in printing on fabric as well as setting up a system for mass production, Ballweg said.

“Project Connect is a great opportunity for students to gain printing skills while simultaneously giving back to the community,” she said.