THANK YOU

FOR SHARING THE JOY

Last year's Joy of Sharing Toy Drive was a success! Over 4,000 toys were collected.

With collection sites at The Bristol Bazaar, Family Roots Produce Market, KindCare Bristol, I Know A Guy Deli, the Hometown Foundation, Inc., and 30+ businesses and organizations collected on behalf of United Way. Teams of volunteers meticulously organized toys by age group for the holidays.

A heartfelt thank you extends to the individuals who hosted collection drives, generously supporting the effort to bring joy to the children during the season of giving. It's worth noting that all donated toys remain within our community, ensuring that our neighbors in need receive the support they deserve.

Some of the community organizations that benefited were: Boys & Girls Club of Bristol, Bristol Housing Authority, New Horizons Living Center, God's Grocery Store, HRA of Bristol, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, Plainville Early Learning Center, and The Salvation Army - Bristol, CT.

We look forward to sharing the joy again this year!

ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS

In December the Children's Department at the Bristol Library was filled with joy, cheer, and holiday spirit.

Making Bristol Better's Annual Polar Express saw over 300 people who enjoyed cocoa, a craft, and time with Santa. All the children took home their very own holiday book to read with their family or their favorite stuffed animal.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made the night extra special and bright! Students from United Way of West Central Connecticut's Kids In The Middle Program, Troop 75 - Terryville, CT, and Walmart Bristol - Farmington Ave. Walmart provided all the cookies and cocoa for all.

And a special thank you to the members of the Bristol Early Childhood Alliance and School Readiness Council for putting on such a festive event for children and their families.

Meet Kourtney

We are thrilled to introduce a valuable addition to our team at the United Way of West Central Connecticut, Kourtney Reed.

Kourtney joined us as an intern in September 2023 and has already proven to be an invaluable asset to our organization. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Columbia University.

As a component of her program, an internship was required. Kourtney selected United Way of West Central Connecticut because she believes in the power of collaborative work within a community. Excited to be involved in the non-profit world, she looks forward to sharing her work with members of our community.

She is currently working on a new initiative, Community Conversations, which centers the voices of our community members in the work United Way does. She finds that the most integral insight comes from speaking with those who have lived experiences. Kourtney's work will allow United Way of West Central Connecticut to identify areas of concern and partner and mobilize efforts to address them.

Be on the lookout for more information regarding Community Conversations and how to get involved. 

ALICE IN OUR COMMUNITY

ALICE is a United Way coined acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the area. These households are considered the working poor. They are people you know - friends, family, neighbors, and perhaps even yourself.

How many households is this in West Central Connecticut? According to the latest ALICE Report, released in October of 2023, of the 40,602 households - 39% are below the ALICE Threshold.

The ALICE Threshold is based on the Household Survival Budget. It is the minimum average income that a household needs to afford housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes.

These are the most basic needs for an individual or family to survive and do not allow for any emergencies, job loss, or extenuating circumstances, such as a car repair, to take place.

Why does this matter? With the cost of basic climbing higher and ALICE wages failing to keep up, these households have lost buying power.

They now have to make harder choices - make meals stretch further than they did before, ration medications, choose which bills they pay late, and put off car repairs — choices that have long-term consequences not only for their families but for all.

How I can make a positive impact on ALICE families?

• Participate in upcoming Community Conversations to assist in identifying current and future community needs.
• Join the Community Impact Committee and review grant applications and evaluate initiatives and programs based on community needs.
• Advocate for State legislation that benefits families and individuals - Connecticut Child Tax Credit, Healthy No-Cost School Meals, Expand 211 Information and Referral Services
• Volunteer - Become a Board Member, participate in the Day of Caring, process VITA tax returns and more.
• Donate - Cash and in-kind donations benefit those who live and work in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth.

For more information on how to support the ALICE population, email Manny Martinez, mmartinez@uwwestcentralct.org

VITA - FREE TAX PREPARATION

United Way of West Central Connecticut kicks off VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) on Tuesday, January 23!

This FREE tax preparation service allows eligible individuals and families, making less than $65,000 annually, to have their taxes prepared for free.

IRS Certified volunteers will be preparing returns on Tuesdays and Saturdays at United Way of West Central Connecticut's location (440 North Main Street, Bristol). Our goal is 500 returns for the 2022 tax season.

You can make your appointment today. To schedule an appointment CLICK HERE or call (860) 356-2000 to schedule over the phone. No walk-in appointments available.

Still have VITA questions? Call Nancy Micloskey, United Way Community Impact Coordinator, at (860) 582-9559 x 402

VITA is made possible through a partnership

with HRA of New Britain.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Year-long sponsorships allow our events to be successful while showcasing businesses that support the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth.

Along with tickets to events, placement on our website, recognition on event signage, and volunteer opportunities with community partners becoming a year-long sponsor has even more to offer.

Consistent Support: Yearlong sponsorships provide United Way with a reliable and steady source of financial support throughout the entire year. This stability allows for better planning and execution of programs and initiatives.

Visibility and Brand Recognition: Sponsors benefit from continuous visibility and brand recognition throughout the year. Their support is acknowledged in various United Way events, campaigns, and communications, fostering a positive public image and association with community impact.

Networking Opportunities: Sponsoring organizations gain exclusive networking opportunities with other like-minded businesses, community leaders, and influencers connected to United Way. This networking can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations beyond the sponsorship.

Interested in a 2024 year-long sponsor?

Or perhaps a single event sponsorship is in our budget?

Contact Sarah Mitchell, Resource Development Coordinator, smitchell@uwwestcentralct.org for more

information and to choose the best option

for your business or organization.

*Payment plans are available for year-long sponsors. *

Thank you to our 2024 Year-Long Sponsors