Featured in this issue:

• From the CEO: Immediate Relief & Long-term Support
• Hurricane Milton Relief Efforts - How YOU Can Help Now
• Born Learning Trail Ribbon Cutting Oct. 30
• United We Give Thanksgiving Meal Kit Giveaway Nov. 16
• Clay Shoot FUNdraiser: New Date Dec. 7
• Welcome New Board Members
• Tax Volunteers Needed - Sign Up Now

Immediate Relief & Long-term Support

A Message from the CEO Jessica Davis

Hurricane Milton has left a trail of devastation in its wake, but the spirit of our community remains strong. Families across Lake and Sumter Counties are facing immense challenges, from damaged homes and property loss to disruptions in essential services.



In the face of this adversity, United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties is committed to providing immediate relief and long-term support to help our neighbors recover and rebuild. We are working tirelessly to:

• Provide essential resources: Distributing food, water, hygiene kits, and other critical supplies to those in need.
• Connect people with support: Coordinating with local agencies and partners to ensure individuals and families have access to shelter, healthcare, and financial assistance.
• Mobilize volunteers: Organizing and deploying volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts, debris removal, and other essential tasks.
• Support long-term recovery: Working with community partners to address ongoing needs like housing, mental health services, and financial stability.

With your support, we can help families weather this storm and rebuild their lives. United Way has been serving this community for 57 years. We have the experience, the relationships, and the dedication to make a real difference.

We were built for this. We will get through this together.

With deepest gratitude,

Hurricane Milton Relief Efforts - How YOU Can Help

The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has left a trail of destruction across Sumter & Lake Counties. The scenes have been heartbreaking – homes flooded, power lines down, trees on homes and families struggling to cope. Floodwaters continue to rise, leaving a trail of damage and uncertainty in their wake. The need for support is urgent.

How YOU Can Help:

Donate: Your financial contribution to the United We Care Recovery Fund will provide essential resources like food, temporary shelter, and cleanup supplies to those who need it most. UWLS.org/disaster-recovery/donate

Volunteer: We need hands-on help with cleanup and recovery efforts. Sign up to volunteer on our website: UWLS.org/volunteer

Together, we can help our neighbors recover and rebuild.

Born Learning Trail Ribbon Cutting Oct. 30

We're excited to invite you to the official ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the newest Born Learning Trail in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Wildwood on Oct. 30. This will be the first Born Learning Trail in Sumter County.

Did you know that gross motor development are movements that include jumping, running, hopping, and skipping? And that children who play outdoors learn about natural elements such as the change of seasons, animals, weather, all of which builds upon their increasing natural curiosity? This is why United Way has partnered with Cities and County Parks Departments to transform public park spaces into areas for learning with the new Born Learning Trails signage and activity centers!

When: Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.

Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 600 Walker Road, Wildwood

To learn more about this educational program, visit uwls.org/born-learning-trails/

United We Give: Get Involved! Join Us Nov. 16

Share the Thanksgiving Spirit on November 16! Gather at Lake Square Mall to help us spread abundance and gratitude this holiday season. We’ll be providing Thanksgiving food baskets filled with pantry staples, fresh produce, and protein to our neighbors in need. Let’s make this Thanksgiving special for everyone!

Join us to serve the community on Saturday, Nov. 16 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Click the button below or visit uwls.org/united-we-give-volunteer/ register now.

Calling Clay Target Enthusiasts! Clay Shoot FUNdraiser Dec. 7

Due to the devastation caused by the recent storms, we have rescheduled our "Pull for Change" Clay Shoot FUNdraiser Tournament to focus on recovery efforts. The new date is Saturday, Dec. 7.

Join us at Blackjack Sporting Clays at 3372 County Road 526 in Sumterville. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and we'll start with a safety briefing at 8:45 a.m. 

Test your skills on the course and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Enter a $50 raffle for a chance to win a Beretta A300 3" Ultimate shotgun. And, most importantly, help make a difference in your community!

There is still room available for a few more shooters! If you haven't signed up yet, now there is still time. Visit uwls.org/events/clay-shoot/.

If you'd like to become a sponsor for this event, please visit: uwls.org/events/clay-shoot/ or email Keith Barsuhn at Keith.Barsuhn@uwls.org.

Welcome Our New Board Members: Mila Ernest, Sherese McGriff & Amanda Hansen

We are thrilled to introduce the three newest members of our Board of Directors:

*Mila Ernest has been a pivotal advisor to C-suite executives and an organization change integrator for more than 20 years. Mila's sought-after capabilities include helping companies optimize their value proposition, level up performance, and improve productivity through business strategic planning, engagement, and leadership development initiatives.

*Sherese McGriff, the CEO and President of The Desoto Group, is bringing over two decades of leadership expertise to the table. With a background spanning policy development, business management, storm damage restoration, and construction project management, Sherese's skills are diverse and impactful. Her expertise in emergency management and public safety further equips her to excel in our mission. Her passion for United Way's mission is personal, as she's witnessed firsthand the positive impact of our programs. She's dedicated to ensuring those programs continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.

*Amanda Hansen currently serves as VP Banking Center Manager at Seacoast Bank. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for our community to the table. Her leadership with the South Lake Chamber and dedication to the South Lake region make her an invaluable addition to our team. When she's not busy making a difference, you can find her enjoying the Florida sunshine with her children and grandchildren.

We're incredibly excited to have their expertise and insights as we move forward!

Your Neighbors Need You NOW to Get Ready for Tax Season

Calling all compassionate community members! Become a VITA volunteer and help your neighbors achieve financial stability. We urgently need site coordinators, tax preparers, and quality reviewers. Your skills can make a REAL difference.

Click the button below or visit: uwls.org/vita-free-tax-preparation/ to become VITA Volunteer.

Follow UWLS on Social Media

Want to stay up-to-date with real-time volunteer opportunities and community information? Follow us on social media! We're on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.