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A Message from the Chair

Janelle White, Campaign Chair

I want to take just a few minutes to talk about something that matters deeply not just to me, but to our entire community and the State of Idaho.

Every year, we host a United Way Campaign in the month of October. This year we will be rebranding to the State Charitable Giving Campaign, and one of the most impactful partners in that effort is United Way.

This year, you’re empowered to make your donation truly personal. Whether your heart is with a local food bank, a youth mentoring program, a shelter, or a school-based initiative, you get to choose the Idaho nonprofit that matters most to you. As long as it’s a qualified 501(c)(3) organization based in Idaho, your pledge will be processed through United Way and directed to your selected nonprofit. It’s your cause, your community, your choice.

United Way isn’t just a name; it’s a network of support. It helps kids get the school supplies they need, families access food and housing, and seniors stay connected and cared for. It’s about lifting up our neighbors, right here in Idaho.

And when we give even just a few dollars a paycheck, we’re part of that story. We’re part of the solution. The cost of giving isn’t just about dollars. If you’re not in a place to donate financially, that’s okay.

I know times are tight. But I also know the power of small acts. A $5 donation might mean a warm meal. A $20 gift could help a child get tutoring support. It adds up. And it adds hope.

There are so many other ways to be part of this campaign. Join a team activity. Help organize a fundraiser. Make a handmade gift or contribute to a raffle. Every bit of energy and creativity helps build momentum and every act of kindness counts.

United Way is a statewide resource for connecting people to vital resources like Find Help Idaho, they currently support over 65 Community Schools across the state and are driving new growth in rural communities. Whether it’s helping families access food, education, or health services, United Way is building stronger, more resilient Idaho neighborhoods every day.

I’m asking you to join me. Let’s make this year’s campaign our strongest yet for local non-profit organizations, for the United Way, for Idaho, and for the people who count on us.

Your Donations Make a Difference!

Agency Fundraiser Ideas!

A Family’s Journey to Resilience

A single mother of five, who had separated from her husband due to a gambling addiction, found herself facing overwhelming challenges. She’d relocated to Boise to pursue her Master’s degree while working part-time. With four children in school and a three-year-old to care for, the loss of her husband’s income created a significant financial burden.

Concerned about affording childcare that would allow her to complete her studies and provide for her family, she turned to Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center for assistance. Through our scholarship program, we were able to enroll her youngest child in the daycare program, providing much-needed support.

As Thanksgiving approached that year, the mother was feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of not being able to afford a traditional holiday meal for her children. Having previously organized charity food drives, she reached out to the United Way for help. Our discreet food assistance program allowed her to pick up a basket of groceries privately, ensuring that her children would have enough delicious food to eat during that difficult week and to celebrate the holiday.

Today, her son is a thriving honor student at a local high school, aspiring to become a criminologist. His success is a testament to the positive impact that Giraffe Laugh’s support had on their family during their most challenging times. This is just one example of how our organization is helping individuals and families overcome adversity and build brighter futures.

Dealing with the Unexpected

Meet Monica. She’s one of many single mothers who struggle to make ends meet, even while working full-time. In Idaho, 80% of single mothers are classified as ALICE, meaning they are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.

Monica’s life took a drastic turn when her marriage ended unexpectedly, leaving her as a single mother to her five-year-old daughter, Emily. Just as she was adjusting to this new reality, a health crisis struck, forcing her to miss work and depleting her savings. To make matters worse, she and Emily were facing eviction.

Monica felt hopeless until she discovered the Emergency Rental Assistance Program funded by United Way. With their support, she was able to avoid eviction, pay her overdue rent, and find stability for her family.

Monica shared, “I can’t express how much this help has meant to us. It wasn’t just financial; it gave me peace of mind. This program gave us a chance to rebuild our lives, and I’m eternally grateful.”

We all face unexpected challenges. Your donation isn’t just about money; it’s about offering hope, dignity, and the opportunity for families to regain control of their lives. Please consider making a gift today.

 

Let’s get your campaign off the ground! As Agency Campaign Coordinators, our mission is crystal clear: to seamlessly disseminate vital State Campaign information to our dedicated employees and lend a helping hand in fostering voluntary contributions. But here’s the exciting part – your campaign isn’t just another task on your to-do list; it’s a canvas to paint your agency’s personality and culture in vibrant strokes. It’s a chance to rally your coworkers around a cause you’re passionate about. Curious to learn more? Dive deeper into this exhilarating journey and discover the limitless possibilities that await!

Transform Your Office into a Food Network Showdown! 👖

Picture this: Your colleagues, typically confined to professional attire, are now donning their favorite jeans at the office. How? By forming teams and participating in the Casual Days for Charity Chili Cook-Off Extravaganza!

Unleash the culinary wizards in your workplace as they whip up sizzling and spicy chili creations. The twist? Casual Days are your magical incentive to raise money for a charitable cause, uniting United Way and casual chic!

Prime parking spots are the coveted treasure in your office. Unearth the treasure hunters within your colleagues and turn it into a hilarious yet charitable quest. 

Summon the office’s hidden pastry prodigies in the ultimate bake-off! Rally your troops, set the fundraising bar high, and let them showcase their delectable creations in an epic battle. Will it be cookies, cakes, or savory masterpieces? The judges await your culinary delights. Ready, set, bake your way to charity stardom! 

Ah, the daily grind, fueled by caffeine! Turn those morning coffee runs into a force for good. Gather your coworkers, calculate the collective cost of your Starbucks sips, and imagine the wonders it could do for a charitable mission. It’s a brew-tiful idea! 

Revisit your school days with a friendly Spelling Bee competition! Watch your colleagues dust off their dictionary skills, going head-to-head in a battle of words. Create teams, grab those dictionaries, and let the nostalgia flow as you raise funds for a great cause, spelling your way to victory. 

Get ready to spice up your office life, uncover hidden talents, and positively impact your community—all while having a blast! 

United We Care Agency Event Photos

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