ASU named a top 20 United Way partner

Many children in the Valley who depend on school breakfasts and lunches throughout the week may go hungry on the weekends. This fall, as part of the annual Sparky’s Day of Service at Arizona State University, thousands of students lined up to make “WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks” that contained non-perishable food that children in need could take with them on Friday, supplementing their meals at home.

It’s just one of the many partnerships between ASU and United Way that helped the university be named one of the Valley of Sun United Way’s top 20 community partners.

United Way’s dedication to the Valley, and its mission as a whole, struck a chord with senior Nathan Baker, president of ASU Student United Way.

“I chose United Way to end hunger, homelessness, and increase financial stability for families located within the Valley,” Baker said. “One in three kids do not know where their next meal is coming from, which is why we need to make the largest impact we possibly can.” 

The 20 organizations on the list play critical roles in helping communities around the metro Phoenix area. Other companies on the inaugural list include Target, Macy’s, American Airlines and Bank of America.  

“By working together, the top 20 help ensure kids have access to a good education, families have a roof over their heads, and a safe place to call home,” said Nancy Dean, chief development officer of Valley of the Sun United Way.

Since 1925, Valley of the Sun United Way has been bringing together donors, business supporters, nonprofits, government and faith-based communities and is the largest nonprofit investor in health and human-service programs in the Valley.

Currently, ASU is more than 80 percent to making its goal during its 2016 United Way campaign. To learn more or donate, visit unitedway.asu.edu.