By John Black
Faculty, Staff and Retiree Programs

The 2008 Hopkins campaign for United Way of Central Maryland and the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund closes out on Dec. 12, but contributions are accepted through the end of the year. To date, approximately 80 percent of the combined Johns Hopkins Institutions goal of $2,066,000 has been pledged.

In human terms, this goal translates to helping children enter kindergarten ready and able to learn, providing young people with opportunities to develop to their full potential and helping area residents afford housing and access critically needed services. United Way of Central Maryland is reporting that donations are needed this year more than everŅOur Daily Bread is seeing on average 700 more people a week, and the shelves at the Maryland Food Bank are critically low. During winter, the need is especially acute.

"Though we are close to reaching our financial goal, the extra bit that makes up the remaining 15 to 20 percent translates into services that organizations addressing problems that we hear about each and every day on the news may or may not be able to provide," said Nick Jones, dean of the Whiting School of Engineering and 2008 JHU campaign chair. "Each new donation represents food and shelter for those most in need, educational support for children and support for 2-1-1 First Call for Help, United Way of Central Maryland's 24/7 health and human services information and referral line. If everyone contributes the value of a cup of coffee or lunch for just one or two days a week, we will make a major impact on our community."

In addition to being the closeout of the campaign, Dec. 12 is the deadline for submitting Neighborhood Fund grant applications. Grants will be awarded to nonprofits that serve the neighborhoods adjacent to Johns Hopkins campuses.

To donate online or for more information about the 2008 United Way campaign and the Neighborhood Fund, go to: web.jhu.edu/uw or contact Jeff Pratt in the Office of Faculty, Staff and Retiree Programs at unitedway@jhu.edu or 410-516-6060.

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