University of Nebraska–Lincoln employees will again have the change to impact the lives of thousands through the Lincoln-area Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services.

The annual community pledge drive runs from Oct. 17-28. UNL’s theme for the drive is “Give Today. Change Tomorrow.”

The Combined Campaign benefits three federations — Community Health Charities of Nebraska, Community Services Fund of Nebraska and United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. The three federations represent more than 130 local agencies that assist members of the community.

“The UNL Combined Campaign is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to Lincoln and Lancaster County,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said. “We need your help in sending a unified message of support from the university.”

The university is consistently one of the top fundraisers for the drive.

Combined Campaign pledge materials will be delivered to university employees. Pledges can be made online or by turning in pledge cards. Employees may give to any specific agency or to the three general funds. A variety of giving options are offered. Pledge cards are due Oct. 28.

Joseph Francisco, dean of arts and sciences, and Maria Marron, dean of journalism and mass communications, are the university’s 2017 Combined Campaign co-chairs.

“Together, we have an opportunity to make Nebraska — and the world — a better place through the university’s annual Combined Campaign,” Francisco and Marron wrote in a message to campus. “We ask you to join us in supporting dozens of great causes and organizations through this campaign.”

The goal is to have 100 percent of university employees participate in the campaign.

To date, Nebraska employees have contributed more than $7 million to the campaign.

Examples of gift impacts include:

• A $10 donation can provide a backpack of food for a student over a weekend.

• A $20 donation can provide a meal, blanket and comfort kit to an individual affected by a disaster.

• A $50 donation can purchase sunscreen and beach towels for a Make-A-Wish Nebraska trip.

• A $100 donation can provide rent or utility assistance to a struggling family.

For more information about the 2017 Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services, click here.