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Campus Store shows the love

The Change Roundup Program asks patrons to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, and excess funds are donated to campus organizations and charities that serve the U community.

Does anyone remember change? Those round, metal tokens that once jingled in pockets and purses before we used cards and phones to pay for everything? Well, as it turns out, change can be a pretty big deal. How big? How does a chunk of change just under $24,000 sound? And that’s just in 2018.

The University Campus Store is adding up those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters and putting them to good use. The Change Roundup Program asks patrons to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, then those funds are donated to campus organizations and charities that serve the U community.

Since the program’s formation nearly five years ago, the Campus Store has raised more than $54,000, all of which has been distributed to campus organizations that serve a wide range of people like the Utah Food Bank, the Women’s Resource Center and the Student Scholarship Fund.

Among the campus recipients is the Bennion Center, an organization committed to service, civic engagement and community outreach. Dean McGovern, executive director of the center, said the roundup program has had a significant impact in the brief two years that the center has been involved.

“We are a very happy and grateful beneficiary of the Change Roundup Program,” McGovern said. “I love the idea that campus comes together to support places like the Bennion Center, which then helps support the larger community. It’s just fantastic.”

In two years, the roundup program has raised more than $4,000 for the Bennion Center. Top donations from 2018 include $4,291 to the Utah Student pantry and $3,410 to the Veterans Support Center.

During your next purchase at the Campus Store, consider rounding up to support some very important initiatives and organizations that make our university a better place. It’s an easy way to contribute and make a difference in the lives of people who really need it. Just tell your cashier to “keep the change.”

The program currently has a full slate of beneficiaries and is not inviting recipients at this time, but if you have questions or would like more information about the Change Roundup Program, please call 801-581-4556.