Young Philanthropists at Alpha Hart Elementary School Raised $1,241 for Heart of Missouri United Way

We recently had the honor and pleasure of meeting with some of the most philanthropic, energetic, amazing kids at Alpha Hart Elementary School. The students at Alpha Hart competed in a “penny war” competition over nine days and raised $1,241 for Heart of Missouri United Way!

The classes were competing against one another, as well as the other grades. The class that raised the most money from kindergarten to second grade was Katey Lawrence’s first-grade class. The class that raised the most money from third to fifth grade was Olivia Zacharias’ third-grade class.

Heart of Missouri United Way President & CEO, Andrew Grabau, and Chief Operations Officer, David Holtgraewe, visited the two winning classes on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Guided by second-grade teacher Amy Waldron and principal Dr. Amanda Minear, the room erupted with cheers when Heart of Missouri United Way thanked them for their wonderful donation.

The kids gushed over how much fun they had participating in (and winning) the penny wars and how much they love to read. Both kids and teachers reminisced over the books they received from our Read Across Columbia program last fall.

Andrew passed out some colorful United Way bookmarks and told the kids how their penny wars donations can help them, and other kids like them in Columbia, receive more books this upcoming spring.

Read the Missourian Article

Read the KRCG Article

Partner Agency ED & CEO In-Person Meeting!

We had such a great time hosting our partner agency Executive Directors and CEOs at our offices recently. Renee Reed-Miller spoke to the group about employee self-care and burnout. Over 20 leaders from partner agencies signed up to join us. Based on feedback from the group, United Way is looking to schedule a quarterly meeting in addition to the monthly Zoom leadership meetings.

March is National Nutrition Month

Many of our agency partners have programs in the areas of health and nutrition. The opportunity gardens are a United Way funded program at Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. The opportunity gardens increase access to healthy food and alleviate financial pressure by empowering low-income families and individuals in Boone County to grow fresh, nutritious food.

Visit CCUA

Volunteer Opportunities

Services for Independent Living: Food Pantry Delivery

Volunteers deliver food monthly from the Food Pantry to low-income seniors. Together with the client, volunteers make a list of food items and prioritize the list. Volunteers then go to the Food Pantry every month, or as needed on behalf of the senior. Volunteers deliver the food to the senior’s homes and assist them in putting the food away or opening packages.

Learn more & Sign up

Heart of Missouri CASA: CASA Volunteer

CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by judges. Each volunteer is carefully screened, trained, and supervised. Volunteers conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, and interviewing everyone involved, including the child. They make reports to the court, recommending what they believe is best for the child, and providing the judges with information that will help them make an informed decision.

Learn more & Sign up

Job Point: Tutor

Help youth who did not flourish in a traditional school setting to improve basic skills, study for the High School Equivalency Test or prepare for college entrance exams.

Volunteers must complete a volunteer application and pass a criminal background check. A long-term commitment of at least three months is required.

Learn more & Sign up

Agency Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri

Their Mission: To create and support one-to-one relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

The United Way funded Big Brothers Big Sisters Program is community based mentoring that pairs youth ages 5 through 18 who are facing adversity with a caring adult mentor and help them achieve educational success, set high aspirations, avoid risky behaviors, and have healthy relationships with peers and adults.

Visit BBBS's Website

Heart of Missouri United Way in the News

Our President and CEO, Andrew Grabau, recently spoke with Paul Pepper about the crisis facing our children in Columbia.

Watch the Recording

Upcoming Events

Give 5 Cohort 3 began on February 24. We are recruiting for Cohort 4 now. Fill out this form to secure your spot!

National Volunteer Week is April 16-22. You can celebrate by giving back to our community! Check out our current volunteer opportunities on our volunteer site.

Save t h e Da t e:

Hear t of Mi s s ou ri Uni t e d Way's Day of A c ti o n is Ju n e 9!

Heart of Missouri United Way invests in programs at nonprofit organizations in the impact areas of health and basic needs, education, and financial stability. Our investments reach individuals and families in Boone, Cooper, and Howard Counties. Donate today to make an impact in your community.

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