This year’s special fundraiser for the Mercyhurst Annual Fund and Student Scholarship Program provides unique limited-edition masks to all those who donate $20 or more to the Annual Fund.

While other items like Christmas keepsakes have been the focus in the past, this year Mercyhurst is providing a truly useful item that all alumni can wear with pride. The Mercyhurst Annual Fund and Student Scholarship Program are two separate programs that both provide aid to students and help with the operations of the University.

Donations can be given in general to the area of greatest need, or the donor can select which specific fund they want to help. The Mercyhurst Annual Fund allows the university to have flexibility in its budget and to split the money where it is most needed for that year. The specific areas of support for this fund include Academics and the Library, Arts and Culture, Athletics, and the Catholic and Mercy Mission.

The Student Scholarship Program helps to provide competitive and comprehensive financial aid scholarships to students at Mercyhurst and to incoming Lakers. The specific areas supported through this program are General Scholarship Support, First-Generation Students, Single Parent Stu-dents, Erie Students, and Diverse Students.

Although many alumni and friends of the University simply contribute because of love for Mercyhurst or out of a desire to keep the school competitive and strong, getting a giveaway in return for generosity is usually a good incentive.

“This year looks different for all of us, and instead of having our typical keepsake campaign in November, we wanted to switch it up this year and we thought the masks would be perfect,” Mitchell Marsh, Annual Giving Coordinator, said.

Masks accurately capture the spirit of campus life this year and promote the Mercyhurst ideal of serving others, because wearing a mask helps to keep others safe.

By donating $20 to one of these funds, you have the option to receive two Mercyhurst masks that portray the outline of Old Main on a navy colored background. The masks are 100% cotton, three-ply, and machine washable. Anyone can donate to the fund, including parents, alumni, staff, and current Mercyhurst students.

The Mercyhurst University alumni website notes “your support for Mercyhurst students to-day translates into support for the health of your greater community, thanks to this exclusive Mercyhurst branded face covering – a token of our appreciation for your gift.”

The campaign runs through Dec. 2, so be sure to donate soon to ensure you get some limited-edition masks.