The University of Nevada, Reno's annual United Way Campaign is underway, with a goal to raise $45,000 for the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra campaign.

This year's fundraising drive runs through Nov. 23.

Last year's campaign raised $37,000. As part of the campaign, participants will be eligible for several incentives. Employees who make a pledge of $10 or more will be eligible for a drawing to win special prizes.

Employees interested in participating in this year's campaign can mail their pledge form to Christina Basso at Mail Stop 0087 or deliver the form to her in person in the Office of University Assessment in Clark Administration, Lake Level.

The theme of this year's United Way effort is "Live United."

In a campus email, University President Marc Johnson noted that a donation goes directly to one of the community programs and services that benefit the people of northern Nevada, "in ways that can truly make a difference." He wrote that "the goal is to meet the needs of today and reduce the needs of tomorrow by investing heavily in the following focus areas: Education - Helping Children and Youth Succeed; Income - Creating Financial Stability and a Safety Net; Health - Keeping the Community Healthy."

Donations to the local United Way is allocated to partner agencies such as the Children's Cabinet, CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada, the Boys and Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows, Nevada Urban Indians, Nevada Cancer Institute, Alzheimer's Association, Crisis Call Center, Truckee Meadows Habitat for Humanity, and more.

"I invite you to consider making a donation to United Way today," Johnson wrote. "A contribution through a completed pledge form is easy to do. By making this effort, we strengthen the fiber of our community. It's a tradition that helps connect our campus community with our greater northern Nevada community."

Information about specific programs is available at the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra website.