A special note of thanks

Thank you to all of the community volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents to make central Massachusetts a better place to live! Click to see your special thank you e-card:

'A special note of thanks'

Celebrate National Volunteer Week

April 18 -24, 2010, celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities across the nation. National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, united, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

Honor an individual who takes action to solve significant problems in their community. Complete the "Inspire by Example" Outstanding Volunteer Award nomination form by March 29, 2010. Nomination Form>>

Holiday Wish List 2009

As the holidays approach and we reflect on the blessings we have received during the year, our minds and hearts turn to those most in need in our community. As has been the tradition for many years, the Community Services Program at United Way of Central Massachusetts is proud to bring you the 2009 Holiday Wish List as a way for you to help people in need, right here in central Massachusetts.

The Holiday Wish List offers a wide range of opportunities for businesses and individuals to support non-profit organizations that help children and families in our community.The list offers many opportunities for you to help: through donating gifts, volunteering at a holiday party, or creating food baskets for families. The opportunities are endless! Click here>> to download the 2009 Holiday Wish List.

Be sure to post a comment and let us know about your Holiday Wish List experience...maybe your story will inspire others to get involved!

Day of Caring, volunteers UNITED!

What an amazing Day of Caring today! 1,100 volunteers through out central Massachusetts participated in 90 projects at over 60 local nonprofit agencies! Once again United Way succeeded in bringing the community together to improve the conditions for everyone who lives and works here.

Today the beautiful fall sunshine was a little bit brighter. Spirits were shining as I visited volunteers lending their time and muscles at the YWCA, AIDS Project Worcester and Plumley Village. In turn, the staff at these agencies were greatful to have the extra help. Today was truly a win-win!

Let us know what volunteering means to you, on Day of Caring or any other day. Please post your feed back in the comments area.

Day of Caring

Making a difference locally, United Way's annual Day of Caring takes place this year on Tuesday, September 15th . This unique community-wide event engages volunteer teams from across Worcester County to complete one-day service projects that benefit local non-profit organizations and the clients they serve. For local businesses, groups and non-profit organizations, Day of Caring offers many opportunities. Last year over 1,000 volunteers participated in Day of Caring! Learn more>>

Vision Summit

Earlier this week, I took part in a very special event; as part of United Way of Central Massachusetts' strategic planning process, a large and diverse group of stakeholders was invited to gather and dream. First, all were asked: What big, bold positive changes in Central MA would you be proud to achieve? Then, What are the ways that our United Way can play a pivotal and catalytic role in achieving these positive changes? The day was full of inspirational discussion and sharing of hopes for our community.
Please take advantage of this Blog to add a comment and let us know what your hopes are for our community.

UWCM staff LIVE UNITED

This holiday season, United Way of Central Massachusetts staff chose to LIVE UNITED by opting to forgo their usual holiday party and donate those funds instead to Worcester County Food Bank's annual food drive. Staff gathered in their LIVE UNITED t-shirts to present a check for $850. Every dollar given to the Food Bank turns into $6.00 worth of food! This was a sizable donation which was distributed among area food pantries feeling an increased need during this season of giving. LIVE UNITED!