Student organizations are helping to raise money for the United Way in their annual fund raising drive.

Rob Wiese, Government of the Student Body president, is challenging Iowa State students to raise $5,000.

“We are a big part of this community, and it’s time for us to give some back,” Wiese said.

Ben Allen, dean of the College of Business, is heading up this year’s United Way fund raising drive. Wiese and Allen came up with a plan to have administrators serve students based on the level of their donations to the United Way.

“We wanted to get students involved in a fun way. The best reward for the students would be to see some of these administrators serve them,” Allen said.

If students raise $1,500, a university professor will serve students food; at $2,000, it will be a department; and at $2,500, it will be a director.

If students raise $3,000, Allen will serve food personally. An additional $1,000 will see Vice President of Student Affairs Tom Hill dishing up fine cuisine.

If students reach the ultimate goal of $5,000, ISU President Martin Jischke will take up the task himself.

The administrator will be serving food in food service, the Memorial Union or another location depending on the group that raises the most money, Allen said.

“It would take just 20 cents from every student to reach our goal,” Wiese said.

Last year, students raised only $1,400 for the United Way, Wiese said.

Three free pizza parties also will be rewarded to the residence hall floor, student organization and greek house that raise the most money, Wiese said.

This year’s total campaign goal is $168,000, according to the United Way, an $8,000 increase from last year.

The Agriculture Student Council has already made a contribution of $250, Wiese said Thursday.

According to its Web site, the United Way is a voluntary, non-profit organization that brings together community volunteers and agencies to provide health and human services to people who live and/or work in central Iowa.

On average, roughly 85 cents of every dollar donated to the United Way goes directly to local services and programs.

Each year, more than 300,000 people volunteer their time and energy to help local United Way groups raise and distribute more then $3 billion.

“It’s the holiday season; it’s a good time to give something back,” Wiese said.

This fund raising drive began Nov. 17 and will go through Dec. 5.

All student organizations and individuals who wish to make a donation should take their contributions to the Student Activities Center of the Memorial Union by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

Checks should be made out to the United Way.