The season of giving has come early at UT Austin now that the Hearts of Texas Charitable Campaign is in full effect! Throughout the month of October, all UT Austin employees are invited to give to their favorite charities.

Since 1996, the Hearts of Texas has provided an easy and efficient way for employees to make donations to causes they care about. Donations may be made online through a payroll deduction plan or employees may donate by cash or check to their departmental representative.

Last year we raised nearly $600,000 for those in need in Central Texas, taking our 20-year total to nearly $11 million. This year’s challenge is set for $615,000. Employees may choose from more than 500 organizations that have been pre-screened by the Capital Area United Way.

Go to the State Employee Charitable Campaign website to make your pledge today—and when you do, make sure to let us know by using this hashtag: #WHEREISYOURHEART. We encourage you to promote your favorite organization on the Hearts of Texas Facebook page.

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Dr. Richard Reddick, DDCE faculty fellow, professor, College of Education
Cause: African American Youth Harvest Foundation

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Yvonne Loya, executive director, community and external relations, DDCE
Cause: Ronald McDonald House

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G. Christopher Cutkelvin, coordinator, Greater Austin Area My Brother’s Keeper, DDCE
Cause: Communities in Schools

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Michael Gutierrez, coordinator, Project MALES, DDCE
Cause: Austin Partners in Education

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Leslie Blair, executive director of communications, DDCE
Cause: Austin Pets Alive

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Emmet Campos, director, Project MALES, Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color
Cause: Con Mi Madre

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Jessica Sinn, communications coordinator, DDCE
Cause: Helping Hand Home