March 24, 2023
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
United Way Teen Christmas thanks Hickory Fire Department
The Catawba County United Way Teen Christmas volunteers recently took the time to say thank you to the Hickory Fire Department (HFD).
In 2023, the HFD purchased and assembled 500 bikes for the Christmas Bureau, including 50 bikes for the United Way Teen Christmas program, which also provided clothes and gifts for 474 teens (ages 13-17) in Catawba County. 
These gifts were distributed during the annual Christmas Bureau – a collaborative effort by local agencies and organizations to provide toys, food, clothing and coats to children and teenagers in need of assistance during the Christmas season. 
According to Hickory Fire Department Fire Marshall Stephen Craig, the HFD’s bike outreach, called Bikes for Tykes, started more than 15 years ago with Hickory Firefighter Wayne Clark.
“(Clark) basically would collect used bicycles around town and then bring them back to the station where he and a couple of other guys would fix them up and give them away to families they knew were in need,” Craig said.
Eventually, the HFD began to partner with local non-profits through the Christmas Bureau like The Salvation Army and the United Way’s Teen Christmas to provide even more bikes and tricycles to families during the holidays.

Read more at at THIS LINK.
United Way celebrates Publix Appreciation Week
This week, United Way’s everywhere took the time to say, “Thank You Publix” and celebrate them as the United Way Worldwide’s No. 1 Global Corporate Leader.

Locally, our Publix associates at Lake Hickory Crossings and The Village Shoppes in Sherrills Ford, have consistently shown a commitment to improving our community through countless hours volunteering and supporting the work of local non-profits.

Publix is also a major supporter of the annual Catawba County United Way’s school supply drive, benefiting thousands of students across all three public school districts: Catawba County, Hickory Public and Newton-Conover City School systems.
Local students also said Thank You with special hand-made cards.

Thank You again Publix associates for all you do.
In the picture – saying Thank You at Publix at Lake Hickory Crossings with representatives from Catawba County, Hickory Public and Newton-Conover City school districts and CCUW staff.
In the picture – CCUW staff and representatives from Catawba County and Newton-Conover City school districts say Thank You at Publix at The Village Shoppes in Sherrills Ford.
Government services update - supplemental nutrition program
With an increase in grocery prices over the past few months, the time has never been better to sign up for Catawba County Public Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program.
WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for women who are pregnant, have recently delivered or are breastfeeding, and children up to age five. The WIC benefit cards are redeemable at participating food stores. Eligible participants receive food packages that can include milk, cheese, eggs, whole grain cereals and bread, peanut butter, fresh, frozen or canned fruit or vegetables, and other nutritious items.
For more information on WIC or to find out if you or your family is eligible, please call (828) 695-5884 or make an appointment online at THIS LINK.
What's happening - news and updates from local non-profits
We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.
Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.
Call 828-327-6851 for more information.
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How can NC 211 help you?
NC 211 is the health and human services information line provided by United Way of North Carolina. From help with housing, food, medical needs, legal aid, transportation, elderly health, NC 211 works to connect anyone to local resources. Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program. Dial 2-1-1 to find local resources.
Since 1944, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

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