Greetings From the Director
February is a month when we tend to think about Valentine’s Day! Hearts and flowers, cards and candy for those we love and hold dear! What if we considered extending that kindness beyond our friends and family? What would the results be if we reached out a hand of kindness to people we don’t really know? Wherever there is a person in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference in that person’s life. We can all be kind. It costs us nothing. We often underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear to another person. Even the smallest act of caring has the potential to turn a life around. Be someone’s shining light this month! Be Kind! #LIVE UNITED -- Becky
National 2-1-1 Day
On February 11th United Way of Lee County will celebrate National 2-1-1 Day, in recognition of the free, user-friendly phone number that connects people to critical resources, information and services. This day is designed to bring awareness to the 24/7, easy to remember number that can link callers with human services and resources available in their community.

What happens when you call 2-1-1? The call is routed to the local 2-1-1 Center. It's answered by a trained information and referral specialist, who discerns your needs, then searches a comprehensive database of relevant human service referrals. The 2-1-1 specialist explains how to access those services. In the case of an employee who has recently been laid off or whose hours have been reduced, the 2-1-1 specialist may share information about unemployment benefits, job search options, food stamps, food pantries, mortgage or rent help, utility assistance, counseling and other available resources.

In Lee, Russell, & Chambers counties 7,538 referrals were given to people who turned to 2-1-1 for help in 2019. People who called were given referrals for things such as heating or utility assistance, emergency help, or to find the closest food pantry. They also called for everyday information, like finding out where to take their child for developmental screenings, how to locate job training or to find free tax filing support, affordable housing options, support groups and volunteer opportunities. After a disaster, people call 2-1-1 to search out water, food, shelter and disaster aid.
 
Help United Way of Lee County spread the word that 2-1-1 is available for those in need on February 11 th and every other day of year!  
Thank you!
The United Way cannot make the difference in our community without our many committed volunteers! We are truly blessed with the best volunteers Lee County has to offer, from our Board Members to our Loaned Executives to our business, institution and industry volunteers! Without the loyal support of all these volunteers, we would not be able to provide the much-needed funds to our 28 agencies and initiatives. We are so grateful to each volunteer and for the passion, talent and energy they bring to make our community a better place. THANK YOU for choosing to volunteer with us and for choosing to LIVE UNITED! 
Campaign Spotlight:
Auburn Bank
Auburn Bank has been a committed community partner with the United Way for many years. The bank always begins their campaign with a fun and educational campaign breakfast that allows time to educate their employees about the United Way and how much of an impact their donations make in the community. This year the bank raised $33,260 with over 90 employees giving generously to make a difference! We want to thank Auburn Bank for their continued commitment to the United Way and our community! 
Santa on the Corner
City of Auburn Day of Caring
In December the City of Auburn employees participated in their annual Day of Caring by volunteering time to United Way agencies. This year the employees volunteer with the Salvation Army to hand out Angel Tree donations to the families that received them, they also helped sort and stock shelves at both the Community Market and the East Alabama Food Bank and they also volunteered time with the students at Joyland Child Development Center by reading books and working on an ornament project! The Auburn City employees said they enjoyed their time volunteering and loved seeing some of the agencies that their donations help fund! Thank you for CARING, City of Auburn employees!