"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

By John Bailey

Catawba County United Way

It started last December with an invitation to cook meals for the homeless at a local church.

This led to questions about what else could be done to help the unsheltered.

“What is it going to take to get you out of the woods?”

“Do you need insurance?”

“Do you need regular food assistance?”

“Do you need help to apply for a job?”

It was from simply taking the time to ask these questions, that led The Kindness Project to refocus their mission to go beyond just providing a meal, to connecting those in need with services that could change their lives, according to the agency’s president Ashley Dellinger.

In September, the Catawba County United Way partnered with The Kindness Project through the Small Businesses Love Big grant cycle, supporting their Sunday meal outreach.

“The food is our kicker to opening up that door to help, along with showing up consistently and letting them know that they are loved,” Dellinger said.

So far this year, The Kindness Project has served 2,800 meals in Catawba County.

In the photo: The Kindness Project president Ashley Dellinger and vice president Amber Taylor.

The Art of Compassion (TAOC) is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of the recent Lauren Daigle benefit concert, which is raising over $100,000 for Hurricane Helene relief efforts across Western North Carolina.

Held at the Crawdads/LP Frans Stadium in Hickory on Oct. 26, the event brought together a sold-out crowd of 5,000 attendees, who braved stormy weather to show their unwavering support. Every dollar raised will be distributed through the Catawba County United Way to aid communities in the affected counties, underscoring TAOC’s mission of uniting hearts for compassion and service.

The event drew over 1,200 participants who committed to fulfill acts of kindness for many local non-profits. Over 3,000 people engaged with the kindness portion of TAOC’s website to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved.

With heartfelt music by the Johnnyswim duo and Ginny Owens, and a stellar performance by Lauren Daigle—who personally donated $50,000 for Helene relief—the night was filled with powerful moments of connection, prayers and giving.

"Despite the challenges and delays of rain and lightning as well as rescheduling the event in the aftermath of hurricane Helene, the Hickory community and our incredible partners showed up with resilience and compassion. This event was about more than just music; it was about helping our neighbors in need," TAOC team member Bob Lackey said. " Ms. Daigle’s amazing performance and her heartfelt generosity was truly a blessing to our community.”

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers free well disinfection and water testing kits for households affected by #HurricaneHelene. More information at - THIS LINK.

Congratulations Stacey Eckard from CertainTeed. 

Stacey is this week's car drawing finalist in the 2024 Catawba County United Way Car Giveaway. Thank you Paramount Automotive Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you to Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. for overseeing this year’s drawings.

Four drawings left  

Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing. Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign? 

Call 828-327-6851 or visit THIS LINK for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company.

The Car Giveaway winner will be chosen on Dec. 12.

Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

This Saturday, Nov. 2, United Way will host the United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief, a one-hour televised fundraising special in partnership with Paramount to support communities impacted by recent storms that devastated the Southeast U.S.

The UWW confirmed a lineup of talent that includes performances and special appearances by Backstreet Boys, Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Burke, Blake Shelton, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Cedric The Entertainer, Chris Janson, Clay Aiken, Cody Alan, Jackson Dean, JB SMOOVE, Jonathan McReynolds, Kelsea Ballerini, Max Thieriot, Nate Burleson, Stephen Colbert, Taye Diggs, Tyler Hubbard, Zac Brown Band and more.

The TV special will air from 8 - 9 p.m. ET/PT on CMT and CBS, and stream live on Paramount+.

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 nonprofit 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 (10:30 a.m.) 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.

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