Members of the Rice University community gathered Feb. 10 at the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall in an act of love by creating Valentine’s Day cards for the community in partnership with United Way of Greater Houston. Faculty, staff and students came together in droves to fold, decorate and write messages, showing that the people of Houston are the heart of the city this Valentine’s Day.
“Our goal is to connect people to possibility, and one way we’re able to do that is by partnering with Rice University to help people in our community,” said Aspen Hayes, relationship manager for volunteer engagement with United Way of Greater Houston. “One way we’re able to do that is through our service to-go project. Today, Rice University made Valentine’s Day cards that will be given to nonprofits to serve senior citizens and kids to make their day a little brighter.”
This act of kindness is part of a fundraising campaign between the two organizations that lasts through mid-March. The Rice United Way campaign provides an opportunity to make a real difference — contributions not only support individuals and families in need but also help build a stronger, more resilient Houston for everyone.
Employees can contribute by setting up a payroll deduction at unitedway.rice.edu. Donations can be made in the form of payroll contributions, cash, check or credit card. Every gift is impactful and deeply appreciated, no matter the size.
This year’s campaign co-chairs are Ruth López Turley, director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and Clemente Rodriguez, chief of the Rice Police Department.
For more information and to make your contribution, please visit unitedway.rice.edu.
(Video by Gustavo Raskosky)