Each year, for over half a century, the Harvard community has united to strengthen the human service resources of the Massachusetts Bay area. “In a free society, the responsibility for meeting community needs is continuous,” said former Harvard President James Conant, who organized charitable giving at the University. “We at Harvard–students, faculty, and staff–are proud of our community [and of the positive role] Harvard plays in the larger community.”

Harvard’s early campaigns with the United War Fund and Red Feather Services provided food and clothing to soldiers abroad, and funded hospitals, nursing associations, clinics, and cancer research.

Last year our contributions helped more than 600 human service agencies and charities in the Greater Boston area. The benefit to the thousands of people who were able to regain independent lives and more secure futures is immeasurable.

Programs and services receiving money from the campaign include programs to prevent child abuse; home health care for the elderly; programs to prevent drug and alcohol abuse; food distribution programs for the hungry and the homeless; programs to fight racism and discrimination; cancer research, education, and patient services; and programs to break the cycle of substance abuse and crime.

The Community Gifts Through Harvard drive offers faculty and staff members a unique opportunity to give to a wide variety of causes. Please help continue Harvard’s tradition of giving. A gift, large or small, from each of you will make a difference to many.