Live United - The FHUW Blog

A Thank You at Thanksgiving

This time of year is most appropriate for us to say thank you to everyone who LIVES UNITED, helping to make our community a better place to live and work.  The change we strive for doesn't happen without you.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Click the image to see our video "thank you."

Also, don't forget to check out United Way's Thanksgiving Halftime Show this Thursday during the Lions/Packers game.  Click the image for more details.

 

Warm Hands, Warm Feet, Warm Hearts

Six years ago, Foothills United Way held it's very first Socks and Mittens drive.

The motivation was simple: Our partners in the community had told us that warm socks, mittens and gloves were some of the hardest cold-weather items to come by for those in need. 

So, Socks and Mittens was born, with the idea to partner with businesses and individuals to collect donated items and get them to our partner agencies, who could then distribute them to clients. That first drive was so successful we decided to to it again. And again. And again.

Last year's Socks and Mittens drive collected nearly 2,900 items. This year's drive is now underway, running through December 1st. Collection bins are set out by participating companies, groups and organizations, where donors can drop off new pairs of socks, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves.

If you or your company would like to take part, it's not too late. Contact Nancy Platt at nplatt@unitedwayfoothills.org. We'll provide collection bins and posters promoting your drive. If you would like to donate as an individual, you can bring your items to the FHUW offices at 1285 Cimarron Drive, Suite 101, in Lafayette.

Thank you for Living United, and helping someone to stay warm this winter!

Not just IN the community, but a PART of the community.

Last Friday, October 30, I had the opportunity to have a very small part in Naropa University’s inaugural Day of Service and Learning. The new President of the University, Dr. Stuart Lord, brought this day forward with an emphasis on the school being not just located in the community, but part of the fabric of the community. As we gathered over lunch to celebrate the work of the day, Dr. Lord encouraged all of us to make service to the community a habit and challenged each person to do whatever he or she can do, realizing that all of us together can create positive change.

The day spoke directly to the call to action of United Way, to LIVE UNITED and to give, advocate and volunteer. Foothills United Way (FHUW) has long supported volunteerism in our communities. The most visible day is the annual Day of Caring which for 17 years has placed teams of workers in not-for-profits and community organizations. In 2009, over 1,000 people provided services that when translated into dollars were valued at over $82,000. What many do not know is that volunteering does not stop with just one day. FHUW works year-round with our corporate and community partners to arrange projects that are both meaningful to the volunteers and helpful to the agencies.

Whether it is team-building for your company or a church group or organization, FHUW can help you connect. Volunteering IS giving and telling others about your experiences IS advocating. One person, one word, one action at a time-----WE can make a difference!

--Barbara Pingrey, CEO, Foothills United Way