"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

BY SAMANTHA GAMBILL  

Catawba County United Way

What is a nonprofit? To some it is a lifeline. Something they can count on in their time of need. To others it is just something that exists. Most people have heard of nonprofits, but they don’t really know what goes on behind the scenes. They have never seen the work they do.

I was the later. I was born and raised in Catawba County and still never knew about all the good that is being done by local nonprofits.

But I have found that to truly understand the nonprofit world, one must experience it first-hand. They must not only see the struggles individuals in their own community face daily, but also the help they receive.

During my time as an intern at the Catawba County United Way, I was able to deliver food with Meals on Wheels. I had never heard of this program, nor did I know what to expect from this experience. I remember being both nervous and curious as I walked up to the first door on our route.

“What would the person look like?”

“Would they be happy to see us?”

“What would their home look like?”

All these questions were running through my mind.

But as we opened the door all my questions were answered. 

In the Photo, from left: The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Director Clifton Bennett and CCUW intern Samantha Gambill

Are you ready to #StampOutHunger? It’s not too late! Gather up your non-perishable food donations for your letter carrier to pick up TOMORROW. With your help, we can fill the shelves of local food pantries and continue the fight to end hunger in communities across the nation. Learn more at the link below.

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 can’t say thank you enough to our volunteers. 

So, it’s time to recognize those outstanding individuals who make all the difference when it comes to helping local non-profits assist those in a crisis.

The Catawba County United Way is planning to host the annual Giving from the Heart Volunteer Awards on June 11 to help recognize these invaluable individuals. The event will be held at The Heritage Barn in Conover.

One agency/organization may submit a maximum of five nominations in each category: adult individual, youth and group.

• Nominee Applications OPEN online - April 12.
• Nominations are DUE by May 20.
• Giving From the Heart Awards - June 11, 11:30 a.m. 
• 
  

The GFH nominees are also considered for nomination for the annual NC Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

During this special event, all nominees will be recognized with a certificate. Three winners, one in each category – Youth, Individual, and Group – will be named. The winners of the “Giving From the Heart” award will each receive $500 from Piedmont Natural Gas to be paid to the non-profit organization of their choice.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Nominee’s volunteer organization must serve the community in Catawba County.
• Volunteer nominated by a non-profit (501 C3) or a governmental agency to receive the award.
• Volunteer has served at least a year at nominating non-profit.
• Youth award - Individual 18 years or younger. Youth groups are eligible for the Group Award.
• An adult, youth or group is eligible in one category only.
• Group Award is for groups of 2 or more individuals.
• 

The Catawba County United Way is focused on building relationships to support our community with collaboration, compassion and purpose. For more information about the CCUW call 828-327-6851.

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit 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 programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line.

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit THIS LINK.

Open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program every year.