From left: Campaign co-chairs Allen Smith, Lisa Morrissey and Stan Ashley

Thanks to donations made during last year’s BWH United Way campaign, 654 families avoided homelessness or obtained housing, 390 people gained job skills and/or job placement, 234 children were better prepared for kindergarten and 506 students received support to help them stay in school and graduate.

“Every dollar that’s donated helps to provide services and programs to improve the quality of life for children and families in need,” said Lisa Morrissey, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, interim chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services. “Our donors’ generosity goes a long way.”

BWH partners with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley through a hospital-wide fundraising campaign. United Way distributes the funding to local nonprofits to improve the conditions of the communities that BWH serves, focusing on increasing opportunities for children and youth and bettering the financial stability of individuals and families.

The 2016 campaign, which launches on Tuesday, Nov. 1, will run through Tuesday, Nov. 22. Morrissey, along with Stan Ashley, MD, BWH chief medical officer, and Allen Smith, MD, MS, BWPO president, serve as this year’s co-chairs of the campaign. The goal this year is to raise $200,000. Last year, BWH raised more than $206,000 for United Way.

Beginning Nov. 1, BWHers will receive direct, personalized emails with a link to their own giving pages. Online donations can be made through payroll deduction, credit card or check. Printed pledge cards will also be available.

This year, donors will have the opportunity to win a host of exciting prizes, including a New England Patriots helmet signed by wide receiver Julian Edelman, a Nest Thermostat and more.

Smith, who has served as co-chair for four years, says he supports United Way because it identifies local organizations that will have the biggest impact on those in our community facing poverty, homelessness, barriers to education and other issues.

“Being part of a community means taking care of each other, even if we don’t know who is on the receiving end of our support,” said Smith. “Each year, we are inspired by BWHers who carry this out with generosity and kindness during the United Way campaign. We hope the Brigham will once again show its support this year for community members in need.”