This Giving Tuesday, we invite the Northern Arizona University community to make a direct impact on the lives of our fellow employees. Your gift to the Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF) provides critical support to NAU staff who are facing financial hardships or personal tragedies. For over 25 years, ELF has helped employees in need, from covering medical bills to assisting with rent and other urgent expenses. By contributing, you are showing that the Lumberjack community cares about and stands by its own in times of need.
Why Give?
When you give to the Employee Lumberjack Fund, you’re directly supporting your colleagues during times of hardship. Every donation makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, allowing us to come together as a community to offer support during life's most difficult moments.
The Impact of Your Gift
The Employee Lumberjack Fund is entirely supported by donations from NAU employees like you. Every contribution makes a difference in providing timely, one-time relief for employees in need. Your generosity lets your colleagues know that they are not alone and that their Lumberjack family cares.
This fund was started by Don Dufek and Chris Johnson, who, while working at the Transportation Services Center, noticed that many employees were in need. Initially focused on providing assistance to Facility Services staff, the program soon expanded to support all NAU employees facing financial crises. Over the years, it raised funds for medical bills, rent, holiday gifts for children, and more. In 2021, with Don's blessing, the program transitioned to the Employee Lumberjack Fund, continuing the tradition of support for our fellow Lumberjacks.
Make a Gift Today to your fellow Jacks
By contributing to ELF, you ensure that this vital support network continues to assist those in our community who are facing difficult times. Your gift makes a real impact for an employee in need, helping to strengthen the ties that bind us as a university community.
Ways to Participate:
- Make a Donation: Every gift, no matter the size, helps fund the Employee Lumberjack Fund and support your colleagues.
- Share with Your Networks: If you’re unable to make a financial gift, you can still help by sharing this campaign with your colleagues and networks. Encourage others to give and show their support for our Lumberjack family.
- Give the Gift of Service: If giving financially isn’t an option, you can always give the gift of your time. Volunteer opportunities are available through the Axe of Service Portal, where you can sign up to support NAU and our surrounding communities.
Join us at the President’s Holiday Reception
The President’s Holiday Reception is an annual tradition at NAU, a time to celebrate our achievements and the spirit of giving. Join us as we come together in gratitude for the university community and reflect on the positive impact we’ve made this year. Stop by the Staff Advisory Council table. We have a few special giveaways, so be sure to stop by and say hi!
Even if you're unable to make a gift this year, your participation in other ways—sharing this campaign, advocating for the Employee Lumberjack Fund, or volunteering—helps us continue to build a culture of philanthropy. Every action counts, and together, we can achieve great things.
Let’s work together to make this Giving Tuesday a success and show our support for both our students and our colleagues in need.
Together, we can create a lasting impact for our students, employees, and our community.
