December Newsletter

Big Wins for 2024

• Disaster Relief: Provided over $30,000 in gift cards to 918 individuals recovering from Hurricane Milton, thanks in part to Mrs. Ellen Vanderburg’s generous $100,000 matching donation.

• Annual Initiatives: Hosted the Feed the Keys food drive, distributed free books to children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, offered free tax assistance, and so much more!

• Global Collaboration: Welcomed representatives from the United Arab Emirates to Monroe County to discuss our ongoing partnership and explore future opportunities, including a learning exchange.

• Environmental Efforts: Provided marine science opportunities and scholarships while supporting reef restoration, earning recognition from United Way Worldwide and other publications.

A Letter from Tiffani Mensch, President and CEO

As we approach the end of the year, I want to personally thank you for being an integral part of our journey in 2024. Your support has helped us make a meaningful impact in the lives of so many throughout Collier and Monroe Counties, and I’m truly grateful for all you’ve helped us achieve.

2025 promises to be an exciting year filled with new opportunities to make an even greater impact. For example, this spring we’ll be launching our Disaster Volunteer Reception Center—a game-changing initiative that will allow us to respond to hurricanes and other disasters more efficiently and help more people when they need it most. None of this would be possible without your continued partnership.

Your support is more vital than ever. Every contribution, no matter the size, fuels essential programs that uplift our most vulnerable residents and strengthen the fabric of our entire community. Together, we can tackle the most pressing challenges and build lasting solutions for a brighter future.

There are many ways to give:

• Support our general fund to address our community’s most urgent needs. 
• Contribute to our Disaster Resiliency Fund and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact.
• Make a gift of stock to maximize your tax benefits.
• Leave a legacy through a planned gift.
• Explore employer match programs to double your donation.

Thank you for believing in the power of community and for standing with us to make a difference—because United is the Way!

With gratitude,

Tiffani Mensch

President and CEO

Volunteer with VITA in Monroe & Collier Counties

UWCK is looking for volunteers to join our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program as reviewers, greeters, preparers, or site coordinators.

For Monroe County, email: VITA@uwcollierkeys.org

For Collier County, email: Carolina.Heiser@uwcollierkeys.org

Click here to learn more and make a difference today!

Explore VolunteerUWCK.org

Sign up as a volunteer or register your agency to post opportunities today!

The 2025-2026 Community Investment Grant Application is Live

United Way of Collier and the Keys is now accepting applications from organizations that share our vision of creating a future where everyone in Collier and Monroe Counties can thrive. To learn more and apply, visit our Grants Page.

Florida Keys Community Resource Guide Updates

UWCK is in the process of making updates to the Resource Guide. If your agency is currently listed, please click here to review your information.

For updates or to request inclusion in the guide, email alissa.hudak@uwcollierkeys.org.

Women United members spread holiday cheer at Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, Inc. The day featured arts and crafts, story time, gift wrapping, and learning about UWCK's community partnership. A special thank you to Siena Wealth Advisory Group, Modern Woodmen of America, and Publix for helping make this possible.

Want to join Women United and be part of meaningful moments like this?

UWCK held a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program meeting with our IRS representatives.

Kendra Scott at Waterside Shops held a Kendra Gives Back event benefiting UWCK.

The Monroe County School District launched its Year 1 NOAA Ocean Guardian School District Project, supported by a check from UWCK, enabling the purchase of supplies.

UWCK Keys Area President Leah Stockton helped spread holiday cheer by volunteering at the Marc Key West Christmas tree lot, with support from Publix!

This Christmas, Target partnered with UWCK to bring joy to two families in need. Gifts will be distributed through the Collier Disaster Alliance and Help a Diabetic Child, making the season magical for local children.

Making Headlines

NBC2: UWCK Hurricane Milton Assistance

Keys Citizen: United Way Opens Grant Applications (Subscription Only)

ABC7: UWCK Working to Help Restore Florida's Coral Reefs

Florida Weekly: The Gift of Helping Others

Holiday Office Closure Announcement

UWCK offices will be closed from December 24th to January 1st and will reopen on January 2nd.

If you need assistance during this time, please call 211 or visit keyshelp.org.



We wish you a joyful holiday season with your loved ones and thank you for being part of another incredible year. Your support continues to make a difference in our community!