The annual United Way campaign at OSU Institute of Technology is just around the corner, and the needs are more crucial than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I encourage each employee to participate in this year’s campaign in any way they can,” said Dr. Bill R. Path, OSUIT president. “It’s part of OSUIT’s mission to prepare and sustain our student body to become contributing members of society, and this is just one of the ways that we, as employees, can lead by example by contributing to our local Okmulgee community.”

The campaign runs from Oct. 19 through Nov. 2 with several options to give back. Employees have the opportunity to provide a one-time contribution, give a monthly donation, or bid on baskets in the silent auction. The campus hopes to have 100% employee participation this year. 

“We are strongly encouraging employees to participate in the payroll deduction of at least $1 a month for the upcoming year,” said Levi Wright, chair of the OSUIT Faculty/Staff Council. “That is just $12 a year that they donate, but it makes a massive impact on the Okmulgee county area.”

The silent auction will slightly differ from the past and offer employees an option to make bids in person or virtually. The auction will take place live through Zoom Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Baskets and auction items will be set up in the library from Oct. 26 through Nov. 2. Bids can be made during library hours for that entire week. 

“We wanted to be sure to include all employees in this campaign,” said Wright. “This option gives on-campus and off-campus employees all the opportunity to join in the fun!”

Unfortunately, the Cowboy Cookoff is canceled and will not be a part of the campaign this year.

All proceeds benefit the Okmulgee area. Last year, 8,522 Okmulgee County residents received assistance representing a total community investment of $363,580. 

Because of donations made to the Tulsa Area United Way last year:

• 1,143 hours of advocacy were provided by Creek County CASA advocates from Okmulgee County Family Resource Center.
• 4,032 hours of counseling were provided to 345 young people at Okmulgee-Okfuskee County Youth Services.
• 222 women and children were provided emergency shelter by the Okmulgee County Family Resource Center. 
• 90% of Okmulgee County Homeless shelter clients retained housing or were reunited with family members.
• Over 480 credentials and certificates were earned by the Goodwill Industries TulsaWORKS participants who provided the skills needed to begin not just a job, but a career
• 2,160 people impacted by a fire in their home were provided services by the American Red Cross, Tulsa Chapter.

Emails will be sent from the Faculty/Staff Council to employees on how to get involved in this year’s campaign. For more information about these events or giving to the United Way to benefit Okmulgee area families, contact Levi Wright at levi.wright@okstate.edu.