A total of 415 gifts were recently purchased and wrapped by WashU IT and partners as part of the annual United Way 100 Neediest Cases campaign. Those who participated in the effort also made contributions toward utility bills. WashU IT, joined by our partners on the Student Sunrise Project Team through the Office of the Provost, and our BJC Health System partners in the Epic environment, formed two teams to gather gift and monetary donations to help seven area families in need.
“WashU IT’s annual donation and employee engagement drive brings so many people together and results in goodwill that extends throughout the community and across the region,” said Melinda Schmidt, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff to the Chief Information Officer at WashU. “I am proud to be part of this effort. The committee worked tirelessly, volunteering and spending their lunch hours to put together this year’s campaign. I would especially like to recognize and thank our Committee Chair, Sarah Grantham, who has managed the many pieces and moving parts of this successful initiative.”
Grantham, Lead Application Developer from Enterprise Systems and Solutions, has led the effort for the last six years and was heavily involved as a volunteer prior to that.
“I consider myself fortunate to work with such a wonderful group of colleagues,” Grantham said. “It truly does take a village, and I am inspired by the outpouring of generosity that allowed us to help these families.”
Blankets, clothes, toys, games and more were wrapped with care and delivered by WashU IT volunteers to a local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter location. An estimated $23,000 was spent on gifts and gift cards, and more than $6,000 was applied toward utilities, such as rent, mortgages, and gas and electric bills. Gift cards to area grocery stores were donated to the families, ensuring they will have nutritious meals this holiday season.
“As technology team members, we are proud to connect with and support those in need in our community,” said Theresa Eckman, Vice President, Clinical Platforms and Products, BJC Health System. “This was our first year being involved in this effort with WashU IT. Learning about the families made it clear we are touching lives. These gifts and gift cards for groceries, and help with utility bills, will benefit these families in our community in a meaningful way. It’s nice to be part of that.”
