November 5 , 2004

Putting compassion into action: United Way campaign benefits MGH

United Way is well known for helping families and individuals in need in Boston and its surrounding areas. As the hospital's United Way campaign comes to a close Nov. 5, programs are under way that highlight the importance of United Way funding not only in the community, but also at the MGH itself.

While the MGH United Way campaign sets a fundraising goal each year — this year's goal is $250,000 — a percentage of all monies raised beyond the hospital's goal goes directly back to the MGH as a donation to the Social Services Department. This money helps to fill in the gaps in services supporting the needs of patients and their families. The money is used as emergency, one-time costs and are an effective way MGHers can help those in need through the United Way. The MGH channels these United Way funds into initiatives such as providing affordable lodging and transportation for out-of-town patients' families; offering specialized summer camps for pediatric patients; gathering sweatsuits and socks for the homeless; and assisting patients and families with rent, utilities and food when in desperate situations.

"Giving to United Way is an excellent way to help others in need," says Ed Raeke, director of MGH Materials Management and co-chair of the 2004 United Way Committee. "MGHers have the opportunity to share their resources and can feel good that their contributions are used wisely by United Way agencies and our very own Social Services Department."

In the first two weeks of the campaign, the MGH already reached 70 percent of its goal, but still needs the support of MGHers to reach the ultimate goal of $250,000. While the official campaign comes to a close Nov. 5, pledges still will be accepted during the next several weeks. Weekly raffle prizes also will continue to be given away until Nov. 19 when the grand prize raffle drawing will be held. MGH employees and staff can submit their United Way pledge cards by e-mail from http://is.partners.org/hr/affiliates/mgh/united_way/emailpledge.doc; by paper at any of the United Way drop boxes located throughout the hospital, at CNY and the health centers; or electronically through PeopleSoft Employee Self Service at http://is.partners.org/hr/affiliates/mgh/united_way/ESS.doc