KACU-FM is conducting a baseball-themed semi-annual pledge drive this week and is seeking to raise $35,000 to support the station’s operations during the coming year.

The campus-based public radio station, an independent station, airs programming from National Public Radio and other distributors. The station provides news and music, and listeners can stream its programming as well.

The university and the federal Corporation for Public Broadcasting provides some funding for KACU but is only a portion of its support. The rest of its expenses are covered by donations from the community.

Those who donate to the station this week receive KACU baseball caps, jerseys or mugs based on how much they contribute. Members of the local community appear on air and help raise the funds.

“A lot of key figures come in and support the station,” said station manger Nathan Gibbs, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication.

The university gives support to KACU when it comes to providing the facility and some of KACU’s staff members.

“Not a lot of schools have a professional NPR station,” Gibbs said.

KACU programs range from Morning Edition to TED Radio Hour. More than 10,000 people a week will hear KACU at least once in the week.

Donations can be made online at its website, KACU.org, or by calling the station at 674-5228.

“We are able to contribute to students who are in our program who are doing news stories,” Gibbs said. “Their stories are able to air across the state or even potentially across the country, if they get picked up by NPR or across the state-wide network.”