Central Michigan University announced on May 6 that it is expanding its involvement with the United Way of Greater Central Michigan through the United for Moms initiative, led by First Lady Leanne MacKinnon and the university’s fraternities and sororities.
The expanded partnership aims to provide essential personal care items, cleaning products, and baby needs to mothers in the region who may be facing financial barriers. Annie Sanders, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Central Michigan, said, “This initiative is all about coming together as a community to support mothers across our region who may be facing barriers. We work with several local nonprofit organizations to put the donated items directly into the hands of mothers and families who need them most. Access to these simple items can ease the financial stress for local families and make a truly meaningful impact.”
United for Moms has been part of Greek Week at CMU for three years, with fraternities and sororities collecting thousands of personal care items. This year, faculty and staff are also invited to participate throughout May following an appeal from MacKinnon. “As a mother, I know how important it is to have the support and resources necessary to care for your family,” MacKinnon said. “United for Moms is a powerful way for our community to come together and ensure that mothers have access to the everyday essentials that make a real difference. I am honored to be part of something that directly supports mothers across our region.”
CMU community members can drop off donations at two campus locations or bring them on May 28th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Island Park in Mount Pleasant.
Molly Schuneman, associate director in CMU’s Office of Student Activities and Involvement, said fraternity and sorority students raised $40,000 this year for Mid-Michigan Industries through United Way as fiduciary agent while collecting more than 2,000 items during Greeks United for Moms drives. Schuneman said their signature Mock Rock event featured over 800 students: “Community service and philanthropy are core values of our fraternity and sorority community — these students want to be part of something bigger than themselves… During the Day of Service, more than 480 Greek Life students were out in 12 different local agencies – and that was just a single day. Throughout the year, they contribute over 8,800 hours of service annually.”
CMU has supported local communities through United Way since at least the early 1970s via collection drives documented by Clarke Historical Library records.
Central Michigan University leads nationally in Alternative Breaks participation; offers over 200 academic programs across seven colleges; ranks first in Michigan—and sixth in the Midwest—for highest earnings among females under age forty; holds recognition as one of two Adobe Creative Campuses statewide; extends offerings online as well as abroad; focuses on preparing students for successful careers—all according to the official website.
