Kent State faculty, staff and students have raised more than $120,000 for the United Way of Portage County.

David England, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services and this year’s campaign chairman, began the event Oct. 10 and pledges for donations are still trickling in.

Administrative secretary Carolyn Hartman said Kent State’s goal is to raise $135,000. The United Way of Portage County has set its community goal at about $1.13 million for this year.

The donations help the Portage County chapter fund 45 health and human service programs.

Deborah Barber, assistant dean of the College of Education Health and Human Services, said that faculty and staff received letters and e-mails asking them to contribute.

“They received a pledge card or they could sign-up to have money deducted from their paycheck,” Barber said.

Barber also said faculty and staff could designate a specific program or agency that will receive their contribution within United Way.

“The majority of the fundraising efforts were aimed at faculty and staff, but there were some opportunities for students to donate, too,” Barber said.

Hartman said change collections were held in the Student Center and before some basketball games.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made to United Way of Portage County by visiting its Web site at www.uwportage.org/index.htm or by calling (330) 297-1424.

– Abi Luempert