Even Small Donations Make a Big Impact Through Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign

The 19^th annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, the employee charity fundraising drive held in state agencies across Virginia, kicks off Monday. This year presents a distinct set of needs, following the series of hurricanes that have hit Texas, Florida, the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The charitable campaign provides an easy way to make a difference in the community -- and for several agencies, listed below, that provide hurricane relief and resources. Employees can select as many organizations as they want that match their concerns and interests, with about 1,000 groups and nonprofit agencies – whose work ranges from local to international – to choose from.

One hundred percent of employees’ contributions go directly to the charities, which include those whose work focuses on health and human services, animal welfare, historical preservation, environmental conservation, medical research and more. 

The University’s generosity has gained momentum over the years. Nine of the top 10 charities employees gave to last year served local needs. During the inaugural 1998 campaign, UVA employees contributed $418,000; the 2016 CVC exceeded $1 million in donations from UVA employees – almost 31 percent of the entire commonwealth’s contributions. More than 2,300 UVA employees made donations.

“The CVC enables us to help our neighbors and friends in times of need,” UVA President Teresa A. Sullivan wrote in her letter of support. “Through the CVC, we come together in support of the causes that matter most to us. I encourage employees to join me and thousands of others across Grounds in the CVC at UVA. Collectively, we can have a significant impact.”

Even small donations can make a big impact. Online pledges can be made thru Dec. 27; be sure to print the screen or your receipt. Paper pledges should be submitted by Dec. 15 to allow processing by year’s end.

Hurricane Disaster Relief and CVC

The top three CVC charities providing relief are geared up to mobilize and provide relief anywhere in the world and have easy-to-use websites. If someone has already donated to one of these, a receipt can be submitted to have it count toward the CVC.

Americares (CVC #160333): Provides water, food and supplies to medical relief centers and more.

Salvation Army (CVC #160338): Provides food, water and many items needed by families who have suffered the loss of their home and all of their belongings.

American Red Cross Relief (CVC # 008228): Sets up and maintains shelters, mobilizes emergency relief vehicles that provide food, fresh drinking water, blankets and medical attention.