Update August 2020
2020 Kickoff Planned!
It has been quite a year already. We have gone through so many changes in 2020 and are experiencing new norms. This rings true for our upcoming campaign. We are preparing for our United Way Campaign, which will kick-off on Friday, September 18, 2020. As you may know, we have decided to keep the Kick-Off Week engagement activities to a minimum.

Our Campaign theme this year is:

This year we are committed more than ever, to support local individuals and businesses who have generously support us throughout the years. Help us continue to support the health, financial stability and health programs our friends in Knox County rely on to live their best life.

United Way Investment Program Grant Application Available September 14
United Way of Knox County will be accepting online applications from 501(c) (3) agencies for investments in programming that address community needs focusing on education, financial stability, and health. Dollars invested in targeted programs will be awarded for use as 2021 Community Investments.

The application will be available to the public starting Monday, September 14 - the first day of the United Way Campaign Kickoff week. The process for completing an application will be strictly online and can be accessed at uwayknox.org under the "Partners" tab. Deadline for submission is 5 pm on Friday October 30, 2020.

Prospective partner agencies are eligible to apply for United Way funds if they have been in existence for at least one year and provide programs that serve Knox County residents. No strictly religious organization serving a limited group of people is eligible to be a partner agency. New organizations interested in applying for program funding are encouraged to contact United Way at 740-397-5721 for more details on the application requirements and process.
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Grant Programs Announced
Several organizations have applied for and been awarded COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery grant funds. Funds will continue to be awarded until the fund is exhausted. Community organizations can visit the United Way website to access the application.

Early COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Grant Projects were shared in earlier editions of the Newsletter (May 2020) and include the Knox County Mobility Management's Grocery & Prescription Program and expansion of Interchurch Social Services' Financial Aid program, providing funds for Transportation Assistance to Medical Appointments. In the list below, we share new grant announcements!
Food For The Hungry - Summer Grant Programs and The Great Milk Giveaway
United Way provides funds to support Food for the Hungry's Summer Grant Program to help meet the needs of the community in their summer grant application process. Funds from United Way will allow FFTH to increase resources for summer allocations to nonprofits to meet the food and financial assistance needs of the Knox County community.

United Way provided an additional grant award to Food For the Hungry to support a grant request from The Great Milk Giveaway team. The Great Milk Giveaway is a result of a U.S. government initiative to obtain milk from farmers so that it will not go to waste. This program provides free gallons of 2% milk to the Knox County Community every Wednesday night from 5pm to 7pm.
Community Partners Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, Overcomers Christian Church, The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon OH, and Knox Community Chaplain Corps. distribute the milk from the Lakeholm Church parking lot.

Funds will allow access to logistical support including repairs to the refrigerated truck used to drive out of county to pick up and bring the milk into the community for distribution. through the end of the year. Approximately 1,100 gallons of milk can be given out every week.
Sew Special Network Handmade PPE for Knox County
Sew Special Network Inc is a nonprofit sewing group located in Danville, Ohio. When COVID-19 created a community need for hand-made PPE, Sew Special Network began preparing handmade masks and medical gowns for Knox County agencies. The program started with request from Health Department and Hospice of Knox County and soon grew. The program utilizes volunteers from local mattress company in Danville who were trained and received materials from Sew Special Network to make disposable masks for donation. End users include first responders, hot meal delivers, school workers, nursing homes, hospice, hospital. With United Way grant support, the program will provide over 250 gowns, 3,500 masks to the Knox County community.
Faith Lutheran Christian Preschool Supplies for Reopening
Through partnership with United Way of Knox County Ohio Inc and the Knox County Foundation, Faith Lutheran Christian Preschool will have the funding it needs to offset the additional costs associated with reopening to meet standard imposed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The preschool provides Early Learning and childcare to the Knox County community.
Naomi’s House Recovery Residence
Naomi’s House is the Women’s Recovery House in Mount Vernon. Managed by Behavioral Healthcare Partners, the house was established through efforts including Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties. United Way’s affinity group Women United was actively involved in furnishing the house, preparing it for its first set of residents, and helping source cleaning and hygiene supplies for residents.
Earlier is 2020, the recovery house was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way purchased cleaning and hygiene supplies so that Naomi's House can reopen and welcome residents.
We aim to make United Way activities a reflection of Knox County's priorities. We rely on community volunteers to lead the process, we strive to LIVE UNITED.
Local Health Officials Are Seeking Donations For Use In Knox County
Information on donating fabric face masks and commercial protective equipment is available online. Read the full details prepared in partnership with United Way, Knox Community Hospital, and Knox Public Health online.

American Red Cross Blood Drives
Public Health is currently a large concern. Cancelled appointments and drives put the country at risk for a blood shortage. Healthy eligible donors are encouraged to give back to their community by donating blood. Upcoming opportunities to give can be found online.
We are actively searching for volunteer opportunities in the community to share online and in our newsletter. If you know of an agency or program looking for help, please email elizabeth@uwayknox.org to provide details.