Laboratory's United Way 2003 campaign kicks off Monday

The Laboratory's United Way 2003 giving campaign, "Strong Homefront … Stronger Nation!" begins Monday, Sept. 23. The theme reflects the Lab's commitment to local and national needs.

The campaign kicks off with a book fair at Fuller Lodge from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Way. Mariachi Encanto will provide music entertainment and a barbeque lunch will be available for $5. Lab workers attending the book fair also can make pledges at that time and obtain information from United Way agencies. The book fair continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday in the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3.

"Quality of life for all people will be a major driving force in dealing with the global challenges of the 21st century," said Laboratory Director John Browne. "The Laboratory supports the United Way through an annual campaign for our employees because it is an excellent way to focus on the most important needs in our communities."

To view a QuickTime Video of Browne talking about this year's campaign, click here.

This year the Laboratory has added online pledging to simplify making contributions to the campaign. University of California employees with CRYPTOCards can make donations by going to http://unitedway.lanl.gov online.

Pledge cards will be delivered to Lab mail stops next week. Employees who don't receive pledge cards by Oct. 1 should contact Debbi Wersonick in the Community Relations Office (CRO) at 7-7870. Employees can designate specific United Way agencies they want to support with their donation.

Employees also can participate in the Northern New Mexico/Los Alamos United Way Leadership Giving Circle, which is open to employees who donate at least $1,000 in the current campaign, or the United Way of Santa Fe County Leaders in Giving program, which is open to employees who donate $500 or more.

For information on individual agencies Lab workers can contribute to, go to www.losalamos.com/unitedway/ for Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico or www.uwsfc.org online for Santa Fe County United Way agencies. The campaign runs through Nov. 8.

Richard Marquez, associate director for administration, who is serving as the Laboratory chairman for the 2003 United Way campaign, said, "Once a year, United Way asks us to consider helping neighbors and friends whose needs are greater than their personal resources. United Way has a proven track record of providing real, meaningful assistance to the neediest in our community."

Last year's Lab United Way campaign raised more than $690,000.

In addition to the online pledging, Lab workers can pledge to United Way through payroll deduction. Or they can write a check to United Way, attach the check to the pledge card and return it to Mail Stop P232 through interoffice mail.

Lab divisions and groups are encouraged to organize their own events to support the fundraising effort. Frequently asked questions and fundraising guidelines will be available in hard copy and at http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/cr/unitedway/index.shtml online.

For more information, questions or comments on the Lab's 2003 United Way campaign, write to unitedway@lanl.gov by electronic mail, call 5-4400 or go to the United Way Web sites at www.losalamos.com/unitedway/ or www.uwsfc.org online.

-- Shelley Thompson

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