The MSU Community Charitable Campaign officially kicks off its donation season 7:30 a.m. today with a breakfast in the Kellogg Center.

The campaign is MSU's section of the United Way's charity program that raises money for those in need across the nation.

Event organizers at the kick off will talk to people about making donations and volunteering time throughout the campaign.

Campaign events include promotional fund-raisers like cookie sales and "dress-down" days, as well as fund-raisers from MSU's greek community and residence halls.

"The United Way's entire goal is $7 million," said Craig Gunn, campaign co-chair and mechanical engineering academic specialist. "But our goal is to raise approximately $700,000 by about the first of November," when the campaign ends.

The money MSU raises will be used to help about 120,000 people throughout the Lansing community in need of food, shelter, clothing, special programs or other aid.

For more information, call Craig Gunn at (517) 355-5160.