The 2015-2016 United Way Campaign has begun, and runs until December 31, 2015.  As in past years, the University is working with the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra.  In 2014, the local United Way identified as its goal to double the number of children in Northern Nevada who read proficiently at the conclusion of third grade by 2020. 

In addition to donating funds to United Way, the University has been actively involved in partnerships with United Way that have helped better our community.

Last spring, for example, University students gave back to the community and promoted early childhood literacy through a partnership with United Way and the University's Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. The students involved built eight "Little Free Libraries" for under-served neighborhoods in Reno, Virginia City and Fallon. The hand-crafted, all-weather, mail-box-sized structures contain constantly changing collections of dozens of books, and follow a "take a book, leave a book" philosophy.

"The University's students, through their volunteerism, made a clear difference for the community and gained a deeper appreciation for childhood literacy in northern Nevada," President Marc Johnson said.

Added Karen Barsell, CEO and President of the United Way of Northern Nevada, who noted that from the original placement of "Little Free Libraries" last spring there are now more than 30 throughout northern Nevada: "Those little bird houses made a tremendous difference for the communities in which they were placed. And the participation of the University students who were involved made all of the difference. There were only three in northern Nevada before the University students did all that work in the spring. Now the 'little free libraries' are sprouting all over the place. They've spontaneously created interest in childhood literacy throughout northern Nevada. This interest is blossoming like wildfire."

Johnson, in a letter sent to the campus community on Nov. 19, added that, "Although the University's mission throughout the year is to engage and enhance life in our communities, this is a time of year when many are especially keen on looking to volunteer and contribute. United Way is one of several different options for our campus community to consider when looking at charitable organizations to donate time, financial resources or in-kind support."

Information is available for United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra: http://uwnns.org/

Donations can be made via the following link: Contribute to United Way

Questions? Contact Lynda Buhlig, Assistant Vice President of Development, at 682-6013 or lbuhlig@unr.edu