WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- Wednesday kicked off Purdue University's 2018 United Way Campaign.

University volunteers and faculty lead a march around campus to bring awareness to the cause.

September is service month at Purdue University and they're celebrating with a campaign to raise funds for the community.

United Way is a community outreach program that the university has been partnered with since the 80s.

The money raised from the campaign will be donated to hundreds of local organizations helping people in the community.

Purdue's Provost Jay Akridge says through the campaign he's confident the university will reach this year's goal.

"The goal for Purdue this year is $825,000 so a big goal and one that we're looking forward to exceeding. Collected so far is about $200,000 so a good running start," said Akridge.

According to Michael Budd, CEO of United Way of Greater Lafayette, there are hundreds of community outreach programs in the Greater Lafayette area. Akridge says these donation will be a huge help. "The needs in our community are very real and the people that work here at Purdue University, that go to school here at Purdue University are very generous and want to be apart of supporting the community," said Akridge.

The campaign will continue until Nov 15 and donations can be made through the Purdue United Way's website.