Sept. 24, 2021
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
Congratulations Peter Shonka with Catawba County Utilities & Engineering.
Earlier this morning, his name was pulled as the first finalist in this year's Catawba County United Way Fair Share Donor Car Giveaway.
He will one of ten finalists drawn through the next 10 weeks, having a chance to win a brand new car donated by Paramount Automotive in Hickory.
The drawings are done by RLI - CPA, Certified Public Accountants.
To learn more about the Fair Share Donor Car Giveaway contest, visit https://www.ccunitedway.com/campaign.
Volunteers needed to help with United Way Invitational
Are you ready to cook some hot dogs, help park cars, sign in some amazing cross country teams and in general cheer on some amazing young athletes at this year’s Catawba County United Way’s Cross Country Invitational.
After a year off because of COVID, this 28th annual event is back and scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 13 at Southside Park in Newton, and we could use some help.
Our theme this year is “A State of Mind,” with Our State magazine editor Elizabeth Hudson as the guest speaker.
Along with being a chance for some of the best athletes across the region to compete, it is a community service project-oriented event as well. Teams have taken part in everything from community clean-up projects to helping at local soup kitchens to running book drives for elementary school libraries.
The hope is to inspire in these young athletes a love for volunteerism and community service.
We’re looking for 12 to 15 volunteers to help with set-up, cooking, working in our registration and food tents and with break-down after the event.
We expect up to 30 teams this year. The first race starts at 2:40 p.m. and the awards ceremony is at 6 p.m.
We’d like volunteers to get to the park around 1 p.m.
If you are interested call John at the United Way - 828-327-6851 or email [email protected].
Sign up for this year's Catawba County Christmas Bureau
To reserve an appointment to complete an application for your family at the Catawba County Christmas Bureau visit - www.ecccm.org/cccb – please share the link with anyone who you think may need it.
Applications will be taken by appointment only the first three weeks of October. If you cannot access the online site, call 828-465-1702 (ECCCM) or 828-322-2535 (The Salvation Army).

To learn more about being a volunteer for the event (we can always use the extra help) call 828-327-6851 or email John Bailey at the Catawba County United Way – [email protected].
Campaign Update - CCUW visits Century Furniture, CertainTeed
Thank You to the folks at Century Furniture for hosting a visit from the Catawba County United Way and Kevin - an Adult Life Programs client, this week and learning about our strength as a community.
The CCUW also had Tracey Paul - the Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program Coordinator from the Council on Adolescents - out to talk about their work helping youth at CertainTeed.
Thank You again to both companies.
In 2020, the CCUW was able to impact the lives of 12,740 individuals, helping with crisis financial assistance, emergency shelter and adult day services.
To learn more about being part of this year's Catawba County United Way campaign visit THIS LINK or call Sylvia Long at 828-327-6851.
Hope program reopens, assisting with rent/utility bills
HOPE program Reopens - NC Governor Roy Cooper and Chief Operating Officer of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) Laura Hogshead recently announced the application process for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program is open for a second application period.
The program assists very low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
The HOPE Program provides rent and utility bill assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections.
Applicants can call (888) 9ASK-HOPE or (888) 927-5467.
More information at THIS LINK.
Celebrate our local volunteers who give from the heart
The Catawba County United Way is planning to host the annual Giving from the Heart Volunteer Awards on Nov. 18 to help recognize these invaluable individuals.
One agency/organization may submit a maximum of five nominations in each category: adult individual, youth and group. Nominations are due by
Oct. 11.
Complete applications online at - THIS LINK

Updates from community partners - medical clinic, support groups
A key component of the Catawba County United Way's mission is collaboration with all of our community and funded partners.
We accomplish this through the many multi-agency meetings we attend every month like the Interagency Council, Housing Visions, SIR and CAR meetings.
Check out American Red Cross blood drives in September at THIS LINK.

OTHER UPDATES

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry - has just received notification that the City of Hickory has granted an additional amount for the ministry to distribute funds to city residents who have been negatively impacted by COVID. The funds will support housing and utilities for those who are behind in payment as a result of COVID.
·        GHCCM Pharmacy is providing COVID 19 vaccines to anyone who would like to get the vaccine. No appointment is necessary Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM. An appointment is preferred on Friday, 9 AM – Noon – call 828-323-7913
See more flyers at THIS LINK
If you or someone you know needs help, call 211
For more than 75 years, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

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