Pledges Due by End of Month in Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign

Old Dominion University's participation in the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) kicked off Oct. 1, with a goal of raising $125,000 by Nov. 30.

Members of the campus community are being asked for their pledges of support to local United Way agencies as well as a host of other area, state, national and international charitable organizations.

Last year, ODU employees contributed $127,000 to the CVC, with an average gift of $178.76, and this year's volunteer coordinators are hoping for another positive response from the campus community.

"Donations are coming in slowly, but I am optimistic that they will pick up in the weeks ahead," said Karen Travis, assistant vice president for institutional advancement, who heads up the ODU campaign.

"I realize that these are tough times, but it's good to keep in mind that the people who benefit from charitable giving are also struggling and can use our help now more than ever. Every gift is meaningful."

"$2 Can Do a Lot. Can You?" is the theme for this year's campaign, which hopes to enlist more first-time donors by calling attention to how important even a small gift - of $2 per pay period ($48 per year) - can be. Here are just a few examples of what $2 can do:

• Habitat for Humanity can purchase one ceiling fan or four boxes of framing nails or eight square yards of carpet.

• Computers4Kids can pay for background checks for two of its mentors, ensuring two more students are safely matched.

• Reading Is Fundamental can provide three children, who are at risk of educational failure, with three free books of their choice as well as a full year of literacy services and encouragement to foster a love of reading.

The CVC Web site, www.cvc.vipnet.org/donors/directorylist.htm, includes a listing of all of the participating agencies and organizations, which number nearly 1,300.

For more information about the campaign at ODU, call 683-5759.