by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
UNM set its contribution goal for United Way at $277,000, a $22,000 increase from last year's donations.
United Way collects donations and redistributes them to nonprofit, nontaxable charity organizations that assist communities in dealing with important issues, according to its Web site.
A campaign rally was held Wednesday in the SUB with the UNM Spirit Marching Band, UNM cheerleaders and community members to unveil the goal.
"This is not just about a community of students and staff who are here everyday, but the community as a whole," UNM President Louis Caldera said. "New Mexico needs the help of citizens coming together to maintain clean water and safe cities."
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Anne Nokes, a volunteer at All-Faiths Receiving Home, said neglected and abused children as well as their families will benefit from the donations.
She said on average, 16 children come into the home each day due to abandonment, abuse or because of drug use in their families. She said 694 children ages 3 to 18 were brought in during the last year as the result of sexual abuse.
"Without their support, we wouldn't do what we have to do," she said.
Caldera said the goal is an ambitious one that will take a lot of work.
He said he hopes to have a greater student response and will ask people who have influence in student-affiliated organizations to prompt members to donate.
"The biggest thing to cause people to give is somebody to ask, and when they are asked by someone personally, they feel more compelled to give," he said. "One of the things that characterizes UNM is that we support the larger community that we are a part of."
Many students at the event were not aware of community organizations' needs.
"From what I have heard, there are a lot of unfortunate children in our community that do not have proper support," sophomore Heather Hansen said. "Because we are more fortunate people, we should do what we can to help them out."
Nokes said it is important for All-Faiths Receiving Home to know about problems facing the community, such as children living in or near methamphetamine labs, in order to help.
"Very often you see a plastic buggy or a toy truck in the front yards of these houses that are on the news," she said. "Usually these children come to us. We need to know how to take care of them."
Caldera said UNM is recognized as a leading supporter for the United Way from year to year and he has large expectations.
"We want everyone to look at how they can support the United Way," he said.
