Got prizes? The United Way Prize Patrol at the University of New Mexico recently surprised six lucky winners with some great gifts. Every Friday through Nov. 21, six randomly chosen donors will receive a visit and a gift including UNM T-shirts, Lobo basketball and soccer tickets, UNM Bookstore gift certificates, Popejoy tickets, Starbucks gift cards, Fitbits and more.

Prize Patrol winner Heather Mechler, institutional researcher in the Office of Institutional Analytics, said, “As a UNM employee, I want to help the university in its mission to serve the community and have a positive impact. Giving to United Way is a great way to ensure that all of our donations can help a variety of worthy causes in the Albuquerque area. It’s nice to see that UNM encourages us to reach out to the community in this way.”

Giving just $1 per pay period can provide a new book and a learning toy for a child who currently has limited learning opportunities, or two hours of academic support for up to 10 students, giving them the needed help to focus and succeed in school.

Five dollars per pay period can provide learning activity supplies for 36 children for one month or 16 hot meals for homebound seniors to receive nutritious food while remaining independent in their homes.

You can find pledge instructions, as well as a downloadable paper form if you prefer, at PledgeIf you are currently giving through a monthly payroll deduction, your contribution automatically rolls over. If you'd like to increase your contribution, change your designation or make adjustments, click GIVE Now and make your changes.

“Seeing the prize patrol was an exciting surprise, simply because it shows the University’s enthusiasm for philanthropy,” said prize winner Ethan Rule, marketing representative, University Communication & Marketing. “The United Way campaign is one of the easiest and best ways to give back to the community. I have some charities that are close to my heart, and to have this easy way to give all year long is fantastic.”

Last week’s United Way Prize Patrol winners are:
Richard Brody, professor, Anderson School of Management, Department of Accounting           
April Davidson, academic operations officer, School of Engineering, Dean's Office           
Dominic Martinez, analyst/programmer 3, IT Applications   
Heather Mechler, institutional researcher, Office of Institutional Analytics             
Ethan Rule, marketing representative, University Communication & Marketing                      
Michael Trujeque, child care worker, UNM Children’s Campus Administration