The University of Northern Iowa and Cedar Valley United Way partnered  up to fundraise for charities supporting families in need Nov. 3 through Nov. 14 in an effort personally supported by UNI President Bill Ruud.

 “[The United Way Campaign] is a wonderful opportunity to come together to make a difference in our community,” said President Ruud in a statement on the Office of the President’s website.

The 2014 drive aimed to collect $75,000. This is an ambitious goal, as they collected $41,000 in 2013’s drive, said Angela Winder, member of the UNI United Way planning committee and instructor for leisure youth & human services.

The student campaign alone has raised over $2,000 so far, Winder said.

 United Way’s philosophy is that working together is an excellent way to improve the community by measuring impacts of funded programs.

The program assists 38 Cedar Valley non-profits, Winder said. These nonprofit organizations seek to advance the schooling, heath and financial self-sufficiency of families in the area.

By targeting specific problems, they hope to improve the quality of life for people of all ages who struggle with these issues, said Winder.

United Way campaign participants, or “champions,” encourage University of Northern Iowa faculty, staff and students to benefit the Cedar Valley community. 

  “It’s easy for faculty, staff and students to find an issue or cause they care about that is also supported by the United Way,” Winder said in reference to the wide variety of charities United Way serves. “Faculty and staff are invited to make a one-time donation or give through payroll deduction.”

Donors are given a guarantee by the organization that they are addressing real problems.

“Cedar Valley United Way conducts needs assessments to identify the key issues facing our community and follows up regularly with funded partner agencies to ensure they are achieving real outcomes,” Winder said.

The final outcome of the drive has yet to be officially announced.