As United Way of Midland County closes out week ten of its annual campaign, the community continues to show remarkable momentum. To date, pledges total $3,977,188 – 90% of the $4.4 million goal.
Every day, local families face challenges: putting food on the table, helping children keep up in school, accessing stable housing, finding safe and affordable childcare, and securing employment. United Way notes that these stories are all too common, but also that collective action can change them.
“Each of us plays an integral role in creating a healthy, thriving community,” said Holly Miller, President & CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Your engagement is a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can transform hardship into hope for thousands of neighbors who need our support.”
Team Dow once again demonstrated extraordinary commitment, raising nearly $1.1 million for vital community programs. Their campaign featured chili cook-offs, virtual auctions, Elemental Evening, Brewing Up Impact, and countless team-driven fundraisers. Nearly 200 Dow employees also took part in Impact Bus Tours, visiting over 20 partner agencies.
New this year, Dow introduced a community campaign match valued at up to $100,000. New or returning employee campaigns, and those increasing by at least 25%, will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, doubling the impact of their contributions.
Across Midland County, many other generous businesses and nonprofits wrapped up their campaigns. Brandle Roofing, Omni Tech, Cancer Services and Salvation Army staff contributed above and beyond the daily support they provide to the community. Ace Hardware, a longtime supporter of United Way, contributed more than $5,500 through employee giving and a corporate donation.
Midland County wrapped up its campaign, raising over $27,000. The County engaged their employees in multiple special events, including a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, Jean Days for United Way, and an extra time off raffle.
The City of Midland completed a volunteer project during its in-service day, assembling nearly 300 sugar cookie kits to bring holiday joy to local families. Michigan Sugar supported this project by donating sugar, measuring cups, spoons and spatulas, and Hidden Harvest donated flour. Kits will be distributed to neighbors through family centers across the county. At Washington Woods, residents, families and staff are hosting a Feed the Need food drive to help combat food insecurity.
Local organizations, including Garber Automotive, Yeo & Yeo, Great Lakes Loons, the Midland Business Alliance, and Meijer, launched or wrapped up their campaigns with presentations and on-site engagement. Northwood University welcomed Holly Miller to speak to their full team about the impact of their contributions.
“To everyone who has given generously, we say thank you,” said Miller. “But we need our community to rally with us now to fill the remaining gap. We cannot do this work alone.”
United Way addresses the region’s most pressing needs across Youth Opportunity, Financial Stability, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. When you give to United Way, you help ensure essential programs are available for families, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
United Way partners with 25 local nonprofits, supporting 55 programs:
- 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan
- Affordable Housing Alliance
- American Red Cross East Central Bay
- Arnold Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region
- Cancer Services
- Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
- Family & Children’s Services
- Greater Midland Coleman Family Center
- Greater Midland Community Center
- Greater Midland North Family Center
- Hidden Harvest
- Home to Stay
- Legacy Center for Community Success
- Midland Child Advocacy Center
- Midland County ESA
- Midland County Food Assistance Network
- Midland County Habitat for Humanity
- Senior Services
- Shelterhouse
- Ten16 Recovery Network
- The Arc of Midland
- The ROCK Center for Youth Development
- The Salvation Army
- West Midland Family Center
“We set a goal to raise $4.4 million to support our neighbors,” said Cathleen Louisignau, Director of Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the support from corporations, businesses, individuals, foundations and nonprofits. We’re almost there, and we’re inviting those who haven’t engaged yet to join us. No gift is too small. Together, our efforts create a ripple effect of lasting change.”
United Way reminds the community that many neighbors rely on these programs during their most difficult moments. “It could be you, a family member, coworker or friend,” the organization shared.
Now is the time to join the effort:
- Make a first-time donation—every gift matters
- Renew or increase your support at org/donate or mail donations to:
United Way of Midland County
115 Jerome St
Midland, MI 48640 - Spread the Word. Encourage others to give back this holiday season.
“Midland County is known for its generosity,” said Miller. “Giving should be an aspiration rooted in hope for a better tomorrow. Help us provide that hope and ensure the sustainability of programs that support those who need it most.”
To donate, learn more about your impact, or explore volunteer opportunities, visit unitedwaymidland.org.
