On Monday, September 9, United Way of Midland County kicked off its 2024 Community Campaign with a goal of raising $4.6 million.
Many organizations will officially start their campaigns in the coming weeks, but some are already reporting early progress.
“We are off to a strong start, already reporting early pledges of $571,376” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “This represents an impressive 12% of our $4.6 million goal.”
This year, the United Way’s campaign theme is “Together, we can change their story.”
“Our neighbors have many different stories,” shared Cathleen Louisignau, Director of Engagement at United Way. “Many seniors don’t have access to healthy food, families struggle to afford high-quality childcare, adults lack vital job skills, students are behind on reading and lack confidence, and many of our neighbors don’t have stable places to call home. These stories are all too common, but together we have the power to change them.”
United Way is officially kicked off their campaign with a community volunteer initiative, assembling meal kits for its collective impact program, ReGrow TogetherTM. On Monday, September 9, over 150 volunteers will build 1,750 chili meal kits that will be distributed by United Way and ReGrow TogetherTM partners: The ROCK Center for Youth Development, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, Home to Stay, West Midland Family Center, North Midland Family Center, Coleman Family Center, Shelterhouse, Midland County Food Assistance Network, The ARC of Midland, Senior Services, Hidden Harvest and Windover High School.
This event is meant to inspire and rally our community around the start of the campaign while coming together to make a direct impact for many neighbors.
“Food security is one of the fifteen issue areas that we focus on at United Way,” shared Miller. “Through this collective impact program, we’re able to reduce food waste, teach valuable life and job skills and ensure healthy food reaches our neighbors who need it. Having so many volunteers committed to such an impactful goal of assembling nearly 2,000 kits is a great way to support our community, and demonstrate that when we come together, we can truly make the greatest impact.”
Some organizations have already kicked off their United Way workplace campaigns, while many others will be launching their campaigns beginning next week. To help inspire and educate, United Way staffers have been out in the community hosting Impact Bus Tours as well as giving presentations at team meetings and special events to talk about the work being done.
United Way does not do this work alone. The dollars raised during the campaign will be invested in 55 community programs in the areas of Youth Success, Health and Household Stability. United Way places people at the center of everything they do and is proud to partner with 24 nonprofit partners aligned with the most important human service needs.
“The United Way Board of Directors are committed to ensuring our neighbors have the help they need to reach their full potential,” shared Wally Mayton, United Way of Midland County Board Chair. “We are confident that our community will come together to meet the increasing needs to continue the long and generous commitment of ensuring care and support for our neighbors.”
Mayton added that United Way is positioned to drive impact forward. Leveraging their strength around accountability, outcomes and non-profit capacity building, they have the system to ensure dollars raised are invested in ways that result in very measurable and visible ways.
During the campaign season, United Way is inviting all to get involved beyond making a financial contribution.
“United Way provides opportunities for all of us to lean in with our heads, hands and hearts to create meaningful impact,” shared Tim Lacey, 2024 United Way of Midland County Campaign Chair. “It’s easy to get involved. Whether you’re able to give financially, speak out for those who don’t have a voice, or volunteer your time; every little bit truly helps. I encourage you to learn more about the work of United Way and its partners and share it with your friends and family. Consider giving your time as well – many nonprofits rely on volunteers to fuel their vital programs. And give what you can – every dollar truly helps.”
For more information about how you can help improve lives in our community or to donate, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
