United Way - December 2018 eNewsletter

United Way of Clark, Champaign

& Madison Counties

December 2018 eNewsletter

The other day, I was walking into my local grocery store and heard the familiar sound of the season....the ringing of the Red Kettle Bell. While crossing the parking lot, I was thankful to hear those bells and know that some kind person was volunteering his/her time to ensure that those in need would have a little better holiday. As I walked closer to the store, I reached into my pocket to pull out loose dollar bills to put in the Kettle; and my eyes caught the sight of a young mom carrying an infant carrier and another child with her that looked to be about four or five years old. The mother wore a tattered hoodie and the little one walking seemed to have boots on that were two sizes too big and a coat that appeared to be just a bit too small. But the biggest thing that I noticed was this harried young mother was also digging into her pockets for available change to give to the child to put into the Red Kettle. As her sweet child eagerly dropped each of her coins into the Red Kettle her look of happiness was a lasting picture in my mind. This picture reminded me of earlier years in my own life when this same picture played out countless times between my parents and me and then with my own my son and daughter as they were growing up. A simple act of giving and using the Red Kettle provided a teachable moment for this young mother to instill in her family a foundation for a lifetime of generosity.

As we wind down 2018, we are very appreciative of the generosity and kindness of those in our community that give to United Way. Because of you, United Way provides funding to 45 local nonprofits that work to increase the health, education and financial security of over 30,000 members in our community. We are humbled and grateful for every gift. Whether you donate $1, $1 a week or a larger amount, or if have volunteered in our community you can be assured that you have made a difference and touched a life.

It is my hope that in this season of light, we all feel the childlike wonder of giving through time and talents to make the place we call home a better place.

Happy Holidays!



We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what WE GIVE. -Winston Churchill

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school (age 5), no matter their family's income.

The program was launched in Sevier County, TN in 1995. Since then the program has expanded all across the United States, Canada, Great Britain and even across the world in Australia. The Imagination Library is a partnership between the Dolly Parton Foundation, United Way, local educators, libraries and other sponsors/funders.

In November 2016, United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties launched the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program in Champaign County, and in March 2017 in Clark County. This month UWCCMC has mailed out 2,170 books in Clark and Champaign Counties; and it is projected to increase to 2,266 books in January 2019. We look forward to launching the program in Madison County in the first quarter of 2019!

Did you know that children develop much of their capacity to learn in the first three years of life? Immersing a child in a print-rich home can be a stronger predictor of literacy and academic achievement than family income. However, in order to read with a child, books must be in the home. An alarming statistic reports that in low-income neighborhoods, there is only one age appropriate book for every 300 households.

It takes $25 to fund a child for an entire year, but this program is completely free to all children who are registered. This is made possible by the contributions of generous donors and fundraisers held in each individual county. United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties hold an annual fundraiser in EACH county - Power of the Purse. This is a fun, all women's event where women come together to raise money in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The Clark County Power of the Purse will be held on Friday, February 22nd. Tickets for the event can be purchased HERE. Power of the Purse events are already in the planning stages for Madison County in May 2019 and Champaign County in October 2019. If you would like to make a donation, click HERE.

To register a child between the ages of newborn and five, fill out the REGISTRATION FORM and mail it to:

United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties

P.O. B ox 59 Springfield, Ohio 45502.

FIND HOPE. CONNECT TO HELP.

Dial 2-1-1.

Knowing where to go is the first step to getting the help you or someone you know needs. Every hour of every day, someone in our community is searching for help or services - housing, food, financial assistance, relief from abuse, family issues, depression, childcare, suicide prevention, etc. Navigating the maze of city, state and non-profit agencies can be overwhelming and confusing. Since 2007, 2-1-1 has been the community's central point of entry into the health and human services system. Dialing 2-1-1 is an easy way for people who need help to get connected with community service providers.