Mayor John DeStefano Jr. helped kick off the City of New Haven’s annual United Way of Greater New Haven fundraising campaign Wednesday, urging city workers to “give something, even it’s only a dollar a week.”

The mayor spoke to about 30 city employees, each representing various city departments, who are designated as “champions” for this year’s campaign. He stressed the importance of supporting United Way and urged the champions to spread the message - and aim for 100 percent participation - among employees in their respective departments.

United Way staff members Laoise King, vice president of education initiatives; Tirzah Kemp, Boost! coordinator of community partnerships ; and Magaly Cajigas, development coordinator, were among the other speakers at the kickoff. They spoke of the important role United Way plays in the community, particularly our roll in Boost!, a part of New Haven’s School Change Initiative.