Ball State University employees have contributed $186,000 to assist the United Way of Delaware County in exceeding its $2.57 million goal for 2007.

As a result of the efforts by members of the campus community, the local United Way will help fund 50 programs at 26 community partner agencies.

The campus campaign, which ran from Sept. 20 through Nov. 30, was administered by the Office of University Human Resource Services.

After a kick-off luncheon on Sept. 20, team captains received individual packets and distributed them within their areas. Pledge cards were given to all but temporary campus employees and mailed to Ball State retirees residing in Indiana.

To encourage participation, Ball State University Dining sponsored a pizza party for the employee group that won a drawing from among those departments boasting 100 percent participation. Photo Services won the drawing from three eligible departments.

Campus leaders for the campaign included:

• Brien Smith, chair of the Department of Marketing and Management Department
• Mary Kite, formerly acting dean of the Graduate School currently psychological science professor
• Kirby Koriath, music professor
• Kristi Koriath, interim director of the Office of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs
• Sylvia Ewert, Department of Accounting and president of Staff Council
• Brian Scott, facilities planning and management-garage
• Stephen Bell, professor emeritus of telecommunications.

While the 2007 campaign has ended, those who still wish to contribute to the United Way may contact Marta Stephens in University Human Resource Services at 765-285-1187. To obtain payroll deduction and pledge cards, go to Administration Building, room 350 Employees also may pledge online at www.bsu.edu/unitedway/article/0,,43905--,00.html.

Ball State will continue to work with the Delaware County United Way on another project in the coming months. The university is one of 50 partners in the nonprofit agency's community awareness campaign regarding the federal and state earned income tax credit (EITC), which applies to low and moderate income families.

The goal of "Earn It. Keep It. Save It." is to increase the number of families applying for the tax credit. According to a recent article in The Star Press, nearly 8,000 returns filed in the county in 2006 claimed the credit, resulting in more than $14 million in tax credits for local residents.

In 2006, 29 percent of Muncie households (and 18 percent countywide) fell under poverty thresholds; the 2005 median income for the city was $28,211, lower than in previous years, the United Way reported.

For more information about the United Way of Delaware County visit http://www.uwdcin.org.