Community Focus, Fall 2022

COMMUNITY FOCUS

United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties' Quarterly Newsletter

Fall | vol. 9 no. 4

WHY I GIVE...

Like many people, I have contributed to United Way over the years because I want to help others in need. Several years ago I was encouraged by a business colleague to learn more about United Way does, what I learned has led me to increase my financial support and volunteer service to the organization. When I talk with people about United Way I focus on two key factors, focus and efficiency. Our United Way focuses on providing support to programs that address the immediate needs of people in our local community, and updates those needs on a regular basis. Our United Way also runs a very efficient operation with many overhead costs being funded through endowment earnings, resulting in maximum dollars invested into programs and benefitting people in need. ~Brian Hanson, Board Member

My family gives to the United Way to help do our small part in bettering our communities. I’m confident our contribution ensures children receive a good education, members of our community have opportunities for gainful employment and financial independence, and that children and adults, alike, have access to food and shelter during times of hardship. Thousands of donors have joined us – the more we have the greater the impact. ~Jason Deitz, Board Member

IT WAS A RECORD YEAR!

By Amy Fluno, 211 Director

The Stuff the Bus/Stuff the Desk committee is so proud of our community! This year our event gave much needed school supplies to almost 1,000 students in need. This number is a huge increase from last year. In fact , it is our biggest number since we started this event.

Our community really stepped up and helped us make sure we had all the supplies and monetary donations we needed to help this large number of students. Local businesses, churches, organizations and individuals came together and showed their support for this event.

We collected supplies on August 4th during Lunch By The River and then did our drive-thru distribution on August 19th & 20th. We had help from over 80 volunteers during these events and are so grateful for their help as we cannot do it all on our own. We had school groups, co-workers, family members and individuals helping to sort, count, pack and hand out backpacks. Many hands really made light work for everyone!

If you are new to the area or missed the distribution event and are in need of supplies, please contact your student(s) school social worker or counselor and they can help. Extra supplies were given to all the local schools to help those who need it.

Also, the committee is always looking for some extra members to serve and help with these events. If you are passionate about helping students and their families, we would love to talk to you. Our planning for next school year starts in January. Call me at the United Way office and we can chat and I can give you more information.

Thanks again to everyone who donated supplies, money, and time to this amazing community event. The committee is so grateful and amazed at what our community can do!

DAY OF CARING

By Amy Fluno, 211 Director/Day of Caring Coordinator

Mark your calendar for Saturday October 22nd please! Day of Caring 2022 will be another great day to show our elderly/disabled neighbors how much we care about them and want to help them stay in their homes by taking care of their yards. Raking leaves may seem like a small thing but for those who are no longer able to do it themselves, it is huge. Our homeowners are always so thankful for the many volunteers that come and take care of their leaves. Many will have treats ready to give out and love to interact with the volunteers. Yards come in all shapes and sizes so we need as many volunteers as we can to make this event successful.

Volunteers will meet on Saturday October 22nd at 8am at the Grand Rapids Lions Club and pick up their free Texas Orange t-shirts, eat a free hot pancake breakfast and then head out to

help our neighbors get ready for winter. So, grab your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors and register online to guarantee a free t-shirt. Registration is open now and will fill up fast. Contact me at the United Way office at 715-421-0390 or email Amy@uwswac.org with any questions you may have. I look forward to having another great Day of Caring this October and have all my wonderful volunteers to thank! This event would not be possible without all of the amazing volunteers who come back year after year and the new ones who are joining us for the first time.

We are also accepting yards to add to our list to be raked, so if you or someone you know could benefit from this really great community event, give me a call and we can get them on our list.

WE CHALLENGE YOU!

To help us celebrate our 80th birthday, we are challenging our community members! There are several ways to help celebrate, but you must finish five to receive a special gift. Participate in as many of the items as you can! Check off each as you celebrate, fill in the information at the bottom of the form, and email it to Tari@uwswac.org. Complete 5 birthday challenge items by September 30th, 2022, and receive a special recognition gift! Visit uwswac.org to find the challenge form!