Kevin Main Jewelry has generously donated $1,000 to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program of United Way, and have challenged the community to exceed their donation this holiday season. The community is invited to visit the store in Downtown San Luis Obispo from now, through January 31, and make a donation to change a life for a child. Kevin Main Jewelry is located at 720 Higuera Street, and can be reached at (805) 547-0662.

About the Imagination Library: Developed in 1996 by writer and singer Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library is intended to encourage a love of reading and learning at an early age. Children enrolled in the program will receive a new, age appropriate book every month from enrollment through five years of age, for just $50 a year. Sponsor a child for one year, five years or any amount. Help spread the love of reading to children in SLO County!

Did you know you can have a big impact on the education of your grandchildren in just a few little steps?  Join us for a special Born Learning presentation on Saturday, November 20, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the SLO Senior Center (1445 Santa Rosa Street) where you can learn more about fun, easy ways to bring learning to life in everyday activities.  Following the presentation you'll have an opportunity to see firsthand the adjacent Born Learning Trail in Mitchell Park.  Grandchildren are welcome to come and enjoy story time, and parents are invited too!  To learn more about Born Learning, click here.  For more information on the presentation, contact Kara Edwall at (805) 541-1234.

The deadline to apply for 2010-2011 Youth Grants is December 8, 2010. Download application materials at www.unitedwayslo.org. Contact the Youth Board at 541-1234 or youthboard@unitedwayslo.org for more information or to arrange an information session.

United Way Worldwide is excited to introduce PASS from American Express.^SM PASS is a prepaid, reloadable card that parents give to teens. For United Way, it's a PASS to an ongoing, strong partnership with American Express; $10 will be donated to United Way Worldwide for each card purchased through this specific link.

For Parents, it's a PASS to peace of mind:

• Funds are replaced if lost or stolen.
• Receive spending alerts via email.
• Set up automatic reloads.

For Teens, it's a PASS to financial responsibility:

• Track spending online.
• Access budgeting tools and tips.
• Avoid the risk of overdraft fees.

The American Express PASS Card also aims to be a first step toward financial responsibility and independence for teens. Financial education is key to United Way's goal of increasing the number of people who are financially stable.

American Express will also make a charitable donation to United Way Worldwide for each eligible purchase through the Rewards Mall.  The Rewards Mall is an online shopping portal that gives PASS Card members access to discounts and special offers at hundreds of merchants. The Rewards Mall shows the percentage of your purchase that American Express will donate to United Way.

Visit the American Express website or email info@unitedwayslo.org for more information.  

It's always exciting when a new workplace establishes a Workplace Giving Program with United Way. Local South County company Slime® and its employees have raised approximately $20K through individual pledges and one time gifts for United Way's Community Impact Fund and various charities through their first workplace giving program. Slime also matches each employee's gift, dollar for dollar. They kicked off the program by holding a raffle at their recent company barbecue.  Chris Auerbach, General Manager of Slime, stated "We are proud to continue our support of efforts to provide essential community assistance services and are pleased to learn United Way is placing emphasis on a successful education and helping children and youth achieve their potential." We are fortunate to have a company that is committed to supporting our community.

For more information about this, and other workplace giving programs, contact Horace Morana at hmorana@unitedwayslo.org.

The Jewish Community and several other local partners are raising funds to provide warm, heavy duty coats for the homeless population as part of their Coats for Christmas Day program.  Coats will be distributed at their annual holiday dinner for the homeless on December 25.

Coats will be purchased from San Luis Obispo Camp N' Pack which is providing an extensive discount.  Coats range in price from $25 - $57.  The goal is to raise enough funds to provide nearly 250 coats to the local homeless population.

 Since 1997, volunteers have provided a Christmas day dinner; live entertainment and much needed basic items such as sleeping bags, clothing, rain gear and toiletries to the area's homeless.  The Jewish Community initiated the event to serve those with the greatest need on Christmas Day, since it is not a day that is part of the Jewish tradition. 

Donate online at www.unitedwayslo.org.

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Have an item to donate?

Take a moment to read through the monthly Opportunity Exchange, a list of items needed, volunteer and employment opportunities, upcoming events, items available, and advocacy opportunities. If you would like more information, please contact the agency directly using the information provided in each listing. Click here to view the most recent Opportunity Exchange.