Oct. 16, 2026


UNITED WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

MARK YOUR CALENDAR


Volunteers Needed - This year's Halloween Kaboom - Oct. 24 - the biggest Halloween celebration in the county and the biggest Fireworks Show this year - is also raising funds to support the Catawba County United Way.

It will be held at the Hickory Motor Speedway.


And we can use some help. Volunteers will help park vehicles and greet guests.


The event starts with a Trunk or Treat at 3 p.m. on the Race Track with more than 100 vendors, and later that evening will be the fireworks show.


Volunteer are asked to show up between 1:30 and 2 p.m. to help with parking.


VOLUNTEER AT THIS LINK.




Questions?

Email John Bailey at the United Way.


See more nonprofit flyers below.

News & Resources

Vanguard employee is 4th United Way Car giveaway finalist

Congratulations Angela Isenhower at Vanguard.

Angela’s name was drawn as this week’s finalist for the 2026 Catawba County United Way Car Giveaway.

Thank you, Paramount Auto Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, for overseeing this year’s drawings.

Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing.

Funds raised during the annual Catawba County United Way campaign support local non-profit efforts to help individuals and families facing a crisis in our community.

Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign? Call 828-327-6851 for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company. The Car Giveaway winner will be chosen on Dec. 10.

Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

Christmas Bureau applications open through Oct. 18

The deadline for The Salvation Army Angel Tree applications has been extended through this Sunday, Oct.18.


Register online only at www.SAangeltree.org



REQUIRED Documentation for Registration

Please have these documents ready before starting the application process. Use your phone to take a picture of the documents and then upload them to your application.

Please validate your cell number so you can receive text notifications about your application. ALL documents must be uploaded for the application to be approved.

  • Photo ID or passport for each applying adult (not expired)
  • Birth certificate OR shot record for all children in the household
  • If you have custody of a child that is not your own, submit Custody papers.
  • Current food stamp award letter (not the card) OR proof of all monthly income and expenses
  • Proof of Catawba County residency for everyone in the household (including children – shot record or school record like report card or “Infinite profile page.”)
  • Info. for all children in household 12 & under for clothes/shoes and toy wishes. (Please do not put wishes higher than $50. Things like PlayStation, Xbox & computers will be deleted.)
  • Teenagers, ages 13 to 17 (still in school), will receive gift cards for clothes. 


*** Once you submit your application, please allow up to ONE FULL WEEK to receive confirmation that your application has been approved. Please do not start another application, as this will delay the approval process. ***

For questions, call The Salvation Army at 828-322-2535.

UNITED WAY TEEN CHRISTMAS


As part of the Christmas Bureau, the Catawba County United Way Teen Christmas program supports families with teens (ages 13–17) during Christmas with $50 in gift cards. In 2025, the program helped 600 teens.


Impact in their own words.

- Vicki Toepper, a Catawba County Schools social worker shared this impact story about a student helped by Teen Christmas.

“United Way sponsored a young lady who was not allowed to remain at home and moved into a shelter. During this time, the student struggled to get simple hygiene items for herself. The shelter assisted her with basic items like clothing, shoes and of course shelter and food,” Toepper said.

“When she received her Christmas gift from the United Way, her face got so bright...she loved getting gift cards because she was able to shop for herself. The shopping experience was more of a gift than the things that she bought. I truly wish that the folks who had donated to the Teen Christmas program could have seen her face when she received her gift.”

Without the help from our donors in the community, this outreach would not be possible. The Catawba County United Way is thankful for all the help it receives each year.


HOW TO HELP

Second Harvest food distribution Monday

Make difference in your community, volunteer your time, talents

From helping collect food, to sorting and preparing donated clothing, to manning an information desk, to showing up at a disaster ready to help, to sharing a smile with someone facing a crisis, Catawba County nonprofits would struggle to help others without their volunteers. 


The Catawba County United Way has worked with other nonprofits to create a list of local opportunities to help others.


See the link below.

NC 211 helps those struggling to pay the rent, stay housed

Getting help to find shelter or pay rent continue to lead the calls to 211 from Catawba County.


In the last 30 days, NC 211 received more than 307 requests for help.


Top Needs by the numbers:

-Shelters – 66

-Rent assistance – 42

-Low-cost housing – 28

-Electric bills – 51


NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line, open 24/7.

The Catawba County United Way is proud to help fund NC 211 locally, ensuring the ability to connect those in crisis with the resources they need.

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit https://nc211.org/. 

What's Happening...grab a nonprofit flyer and see what's new

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the nonprofit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming non-profit events from just a few of those partners...please share. Want to submit a nonprofit flyer? Email John at jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

All four events will be held from 9–11:30 a.m. and will include hands-on environmental revitalization and scenic landscape enhancement projects. No special skills are required, and tools, supplies and guidance will be provided. Volunteers should plan to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes appropriate for outdoor work.

There is no registration or sign-up required.

Questions? Email Anna Koby at - akoby@catawbacountync.gov.

  • To submit a non-profit/public agency flier email John Bailey at THIS LINK.

Since 1944, 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.


GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER 

Oct. 9, 2026


UNITED WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

MARK YOUR CALENDAR




Volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, community events see more Nonprofit Updates/Flyers Below.



Questions?

Email John Bailey at the United Way.


See more nonprofit flyers below.

News & Resources

Peoples Bank employee is 3rd United Way Car giveaway finalist

Congratulations to Treva Pope at Peoples Bank



Treva's name was drawn as this week's finalist for the 2026 Catawba County United Way Car Giveaway.


Thank you, Paramount Auto Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, for overseeing this year’s drawings.


Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing.


Funds raised during the annual Catawba County United Way campaign support local non-profit efforts to help individuals and families facing a crisis in our community.


Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign? Call 828-327-6851 for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company or email Meredith Willis.


The Car Giveaway winner will be chosen on Dec. 10, and Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

Christmas Bureau applications open through Oct. 12




Applications for this year's Catawba County Christmas Bureau open online only on Sept. 28 and close on Oct. 12.

This is the annual, collaborative effort for local nonprofits and public agencies to provide toys, clothing and coats to children ages birth to 12 and teens 13-17.



Apply online at www.saangeltree.org.


UNITED WAY TEEN CHRISTMAS


As part of the Christmas Bureau, the Catawba County United Way Teen Christmas program supports families with teens (ages 13–17) during Christmas with $50 in gift cards. In 2025, the program helped 600 teens.


Impact in their own words.

- Vicki Toepper, a Catawba County Schools social worker shared this impact story about a student helped by Teen Christmas.

“United Way sponsored a young lady who was not allowed to remain at home and moved into a shelter. During this time, the student struggled to get simple hygiene items for herself. The shelter assisted her with basic items like clothing, shoes and of course shelter and food,” Toepper said.

“When she received her Christmas gift from the United Way, her face got so bright...she loved getting gift cards because she was able to shop for herself. The shopping experience was more of a gift than the things that she bought. I truly wish that the folks who had donated to the Teen Christmas program could have seen her face when she received her gift.”

Without the help from our donors in the community, this outreach would not be possible. The Catawba County United Way is thankful for all the help it receives each year.


HOW TO HELP

It's never too late to make a difference, become a volunteer

From helping collect food, to sorting and preparing donated clothing, to manning an information desk, to showing up at a disaster ready to help, to sharing a smile with someone facing a crisis, Catawba County nonprofits would struggle to help others without their volunteers. 


The Catawba County United Way has worked with other nonprofits to create a list of local opportunities to help others.


See the link below.

News Nuggets - updates from nonprofits and public programs

  • Information gathered from public social media posts and press releases. To submit a non-profit/public agency brief email the United Way's John Bailey at THIS LINK.

American Red Cross seeking Program Specialist - The Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently seeking a Community Disaster Program Specialist to help strengthen disaster readiness and support the volunteers who respond when emergencies happen close to home. In this role, you'll work alongside dedicated volunteers, build community partnerships, support disaster preparedness efforts, and help coordinate responses to local disasters, including home fires that can leave families facing some of their most difficult moments.

If you're passionate about serving others, developing volunteer leaders, and helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters, this could be the opportunity for you. Join a mission-driven team and make a meaningful impact every day.

https://americanredcross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/American_Red_Cross_Careers/job/Conover-NC/Community-Disaster-Program-Specialist_RC91305

Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center hiring tutors - the agency's waitlist is still growing. There are children in our community who are ready for extra support with reading, and we want to be able to say yes when their families reach out.

If you love working with children, believe every child deserves to read with confidence, and want your work to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Part-time tutoring - Hickory, NC

Training and support provided.

Email info@patrickbeaverlrc.org or call 828-624-2012.

NC 211 helps those struggling, stay housed and the lights on

Keeping a roof over your head and the lights on - In the last 30 days, NC 211 received more than 330 requests for help from Catawba County, with housing and electric bills still at the top of the list.


Top Requests by the numbers:

-Shelters – 64

-Rent assistance – 52

-Low-cost housing – 29

-Electric bills – 45

-Employment/Financial Assistance – 14


NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line, open 24/7.

The Catawba County United Way is proud to help fund NC 211 locally, ensuring the ability to connect those in crisis with the resources they need.

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit https://nc211.org/. 

What's Happening...grab a nonprofit flyer and see what's new

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the nonprofit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming non-profit events from just a few of those partners...please share. Want to submit a nonprofit flyer? Email John at jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

All four events will be held from 9–11:30 a.m. and will include hands-on environmental revitalization and scenic landscape enhancement projects. No special skills are required, and tools, supplies and guidance will be provided. Volunteers should plan to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes appropriate for outdoor work.

There is no registration or sign-up required.

Questions? Email Anna Koby at - akoby@catawbacountync.gov.

  • To submit a non-profit/public agency flier email John Bailey at THIS LINK.

Since 1944, 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.


GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER 

Oct. 2, 2026


UNITED WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

MARK YOUR CALENDAR




Volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, community events see more Nonprofit Updates/Flyers Below.



Questions?

Email John Bailey at the United Way.


See more nonprofit flyers below.

News & Resources

Century employee is 2nd finalist in United Way Car giveaway

Congratulations to Clinton Childers at Century Furnitrue



Clinton's name was drawn as this week's finalist for the 2026 Catawba County United Way Car Giveaway.


Thank you, Paramount Auto Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, for overseeing this year’s drawings.


Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing.


Funds raised during the annual Catawba County United Way campaign support local non-profit efforts to help individuals and families facing a crisis in our community.


Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign? Call 828-327-6851 for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company or email Meredith Willis.


The Car Giveaway winner will be chosen on Dec. 10, and Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

Christmas Bureau applications open through Oct. 12




Applications for this year's Catawba County Christmas Bureau open online only on Sept. 28 and close on Oct. 12.



This is the annual, collaborative effort for local nonprofits and public agencies to provide toys, clothing and coats to children ages birth to 12 and teens 13-17.



Apply online at www.saangeltree.org, starting Monday.


And don't forget about United Way's Teen Christmas...Roxy is watching...

Help everyone's favorite United Way pug, Roxy, raise money to support this year's Catawba County United Way Teen Christmas outreach.

Part of the annual Catawba County Christmas Bureau, Teen Christmas supports families with teens during the holidays.

Call the United Way to learn how you can help - 828-327-6851.

It's never too late to make a difference, become a volunteer

From helping collect food, to sorting and preparing donated clothing, to manning an information desk, to showing up at a disaster ready to help, to sharing a smile with someone facing a crisis, Catawba County nonprofits would struggle to help others without their volunteers. 


The Catawba County United Way has worked with other nonprofits to create a list of local opportunities to help others.


See the link below.

News Nuggets - updates from nonprofits and public programs

  • Information gathered from public social media posts and press releases. To submit a non-profit/public agency brief email the United Way's John Bailey at THIS LINK.

Medicaid Changes - Starting Jan. 1, 2027, most adults ages 19 through 64 will need to renew Medicaid twice a year. Your local DSS will send you a notice when it is time to renew. Make sure DSS has your current address and answer letters right away. Visit medicaid.nc.gov/changes #NCMedicaid


Desde el 1 de enero de 2027, la mayoría de los adultos entre 19 y 64 años necesitarán recertificar su Medicaid dos veces al año. Tu Departamento de Servicios Sociales (DSS) local te enviará un aviso cuando sea tiempo de la recertificación. Asegúrate que el DSS tenga tu dirección vigente y responde de inmediato las cartas que te envíen. Visita medicaid.nc.gov/cambios #NCMedicaid

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announces updated Strategic Plan for the next four years alongside four key priority areas of focus. Together, the priority areas and strategic plan provide a framework for NCDHHS to strengthen partnerships with communities and stakeholders, advance innovative solutions and achieve the department’s mission of providing and ensuring access to essential services for all North Carolinians.


MORE DETAILS

NC 211 answered 340 requests for help in Catawba County

In the last 30 days, finding shelters and paying an electric bill were the two biggest requests for help NC 211 received from Catawba County.


Top Requests by the numbers:

-Shelters – 72

-Rent assistance – 59

-Low-cost housing – 25

-Electric bills – 37

-Food – 14


NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line, open 24/7.


The Catawba County United Way is proud to help fund NC 211 locally, ensuring the ability to connect those in crisis with the resources they need.



For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit https://nc211.org/.

What's Happening...grab a nonprofit flyer and see what's new

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the nonprofit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming non-profit events from just a few of those partners...please share. Want to submit a nonprofit flyer? Email John at jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

  • To submit a non-profit/public agency flier email John Bailey at THIS LINK.

Since 1944, 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.


GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER 

Sept. 25, 2026


UNITED WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

MARK YOUR CALENDAR






Volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, community events see more Nonprofit Updates/Flyers Below.



Questions?

Email John Bailey at the United Way.


See more nonprofit flyers below.

News & Resources

Hickory City Schools has 1st finalist in United Way Car giveaway

Congratulations Angela Simmons at Hickory City Schools.



Angela’s name was drawn as the first finalist for the 2026 Catawba County United Way Car Giveaway.


Thank you, Paramount Auto Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, for overseeing this year’s drawings.


Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing.


Funds raised during the annual Catawba County United Way campaign support local non-profit efforts to help individuals and families facing a crisis in our community.


Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign? Call 828-327-6851 for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company.


The Car Giveaway winner will be chosen on Dec. 10, and Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

Olympic athlete, guest at 2026 United Way Cross Country race

Since 1993, the John F. Hall Catawba County United Way Cross Country Invitational has been providing an opportunity for local athletes to compete in a first-class meet and give back to their communities through service projects.


This year, the Invitational’s special guest is Adrian Wildschutt who finished 2nd in the 2020 NCAA Division 1 Cross Country Championships for Florida State. He has set several records in South Africa and competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Wildschutt currently runs professionally for the Hoka NAZ Elite team.


The United Way meet will be held Oct. 14 at Southside Park in Newton. To learn more or sign-up your team call 828-327-6851.

Mahjong United raises $1,800, supports CCUW outreach

The Catawba County United Way's first Mahjong United event was a great success. Good times were had and lots of crowns handed out.

We had about 32 players that raised a little over $1,800 for our community.


Thank you to our sponsors: Notions828, Cranford Brothers BBQ, and Emerald Health

Thank you to our raffle prize donors: Vanguard Furniture, Oz’s Jewelers, Basketley, Swisher Skin and Laser Center and LouLou’s Corner.


Thank you also to Banners by Taylor in Hickory on IG for our wonderful Mahjong banner.


Learn more at THIS LINK.


Race United collects nearly 1 ton in non-perishable food

Catawba County United Way wants to thank everyone who attended Race United at the Hickory Motor Speedway’s Championship night on Sept. 19.


Nearly 2,000 race fans came out to enjoy a fee night of racing, fireworks and an opportunity to meet more than a dozen local nonprofits who participated in this year’s Resource Fair.


The United Way also hosted a Food Drive prior to the start of racing and collected almost a ton of non-perishable items. The donations will be distributed between The Hickory Soup Kitchen, Ashure Ministry, The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory and The Corner Table.


The United Way also wants to say THANK YOU to our 2026 sponsors who helped to make it a free night of racing and fireworks for the public: Catawba Valley Medical Center, People’s Bank, Shuford Yarns, Rock House Farm Family of Brands, Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., Publix, Paramount Automotive and Truist Bank.


Thank You again to everyone who helped as a volunteer, set up for the Resource Fair, donated to the Food Drive, our event sponsors and all the spectators who came out to the races.

Christmas Bureau applications open online Sept. 28




Applications for this year's Catawba County Christmas Bureau open online only on Sept. 28 and close on Oct. 12.



This is the annual, collaborative effort for local nonprofits and public agencies to provide toys, clothing and coats to children ages birth to 12 and teens 13-17.



Apply online at www.saangeltree.org, starting Monday.


Make a positive impact, volunteer in your community

Park Stewardship Days series. We’re partnering with Visit Hickory NC, Outdoor NC and Keep Catawba County Beautiful to offer volunteer opportunities at each of the four Catawba County Parks.

The upcoming dates are:

  • October 17 – St. Stephens Park
  • November 7 – Bakers Mountain Park
  • February 20 – Riverbend Park
  • March 13 – Mountain Creek Park


All four events will be held from 9–11:30 a.m. and will include hands-on environmental revitalization and scenic landscape enhancement projects. No special skills are required, and tools, supplies and guidance will be provided. Volunteers should plan to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes appropriate for outdoor work.

There is no registration or sign-up required.

Questions? Email Anna Koby at - akoby@catawbacountync.gov.


The Catawba County United Way has gathered more volunteer information from other local nonprofits and public agencies. See the Link Below.

Catawba County Youth Council recruiting new members

Do you know of some high school student leaders with an interest in building their leadership skills and/or learning about local government and issues?


Catawba County NC Cooperative Extension is currently accepting applications for high school students in grades 9-11 who would like to be part of the Catawba County Youth Council. The council is a commissioner-appointed, youth leadership program designed to encourage civic engagement.


The council meets monthly on a Monday evening, with students having the chance to learn through programs, speakers, and volunteer projects. The Council is limited to students who live or attend school in Catawba County and there are some attendance expectations associated with re-appointments to continue, after the first year.


The council works closely with the Catawba County United Way and one of their favorite projects is their involvement with the United Way Youth grants program. Students can apply online at https://go.ncsu.edu/2026-27applicationccyc. Deadline to apply is Oct. 2 and also requires a letter of recommendation. If you have questions about the Youth Council, call Cooperative Extension at 828-465-8240.

NC 211 answered 368 calls for help in Catawba County

In the last 30 days, finding shelters and paying an electric bill were the two biggest requests for help NC 211 received from Catawba County.


Top Requests by the numbers:

-Shelters – 69

-Rent assistance – 66

-Low-cost housing – 23

-Electric bills – 43

-Food – 20


NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line, open 24/7.


The Catawba County United Way is proud to help fund NC 211 locally, ensuring the ability to connect those in crisis with the resources they need.



For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit https://nc211.org/.

What's Happening...grab a nonprofit flyer and see what's new

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the nonprofit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming non-profit events from just a few of those partners...please share. Want to submit a nonprofit flyer? Email John at jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

  • To submit a non-profit/public agency flier email John Bailey at THIS LINK.

Since 1944, 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.


GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER