Riverside, Calif., November, 2001-- If you can reach around, pat yourself on the back. If it’s not sexual harassment to do so to another person, then try it with a co-worker, because: La Sierra University has surpassed its giving goal for United Way of the Inland Valleys for 2002, and doubled its contributions since 1997, according to Maynard Lowry, PhD, director of Planned Giving at LSU, and United Way Campus Campaign Coordinator.

Giving to the United Way was done by payroll pledges, checks, credit card contributions and cash.

"We're in new territory and it was a combined effort of faculty, staff, students, and the Board of Trustees. Great job, folks!" says Lowry. "That's a terrific group effort and 29.5 percent above the goal reached last year. Thank you to each among the 95 faculty, staff and Trustees who participated. Thank you for extending a helping hand into our community in this way.

Support for the campaign was broad and generous. The average contribution was $125.47."

Funds raised by the United Way stay for the most part in the community in which they were collected. Grants are then made to organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, the YWCA (including allowing non-custodial parents to see their children in a supervised visit), abuse shelters, adoption and foster agencies, elder day care, drug or pregnancy prevention programs, etc.

"‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt. 25:35-40 NIV)

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by Christy Robinson