With the goal clearly in view, Johns Hopkins has entered the home stretch of its 2002 campaign for the United Way of Central Maryland. To date, the institutions have raised slightly more than $1.7 million toward the combined goal of $2,344,500. With pledges coming in a bit slower than usual this year, Judy Peregoff, the university's United Way administrator, says that a big push is needed in the next two weeks to reach the mark.

Employees whose pledges of $35 or more are received in the United Way administrator's office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, will be eligible to win one of more than 80 lottery prizes, which include a Dell laptop computer, a home office setup from Office Depot, a one-night stay in Henderson's Wharf and two nights lodging at Coolfront Resort, Spa and Wellness Center. The drawing will take place at noon on Thursday, Nov. 7, on the steps of Shriver Hall.

The money raised for United Way supports more than 250 human service programs that seek to improve people's lives in Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties.

"Just a few dollars per week goes a long way toward filling some basic human needs in Central Maryland, whether it be literacy tutoring for adults, a safe and warm shelter for a family suddenly left homeless, or eye screening for preschoolers," President William R. Brody said in a broadcast e-mail message last week.

For every $1,000 received, for example, the House of Ruth can provide two weeks of shelter, food and counseling for a family in its facility; Our Daily Bread can feed 650 people; or the American Red Cross can provide diapers, baby formula and food for 20 infants.

To pledge online, or to find our more about the campaign, go to www.jhu.edu/unitedway or www.hopkinsmedicine.org/unitedway.

Special kudos go to the Bloomberg School, SPSBE and Health Divisions Administration for already reaching 80 percent of their goals. While donations are welcome all year, the university encourages employees to return their pledges by Nov. 15.