Remember shopping for back-to-school clothing as a child? The look of crisp, new clothes, the latest fall fashions, cozy sweaters, new shoes that fit and the excitement of deciding what to wear when you see your friends again on the first day of school? Many children in our county would not enjoy this experience if it weren't for our generous donors, the Kohl's team, and volunteers willing to shop with a child.

Register as a volunteer today so you can help a child shop on Sunday, July 22. This is a great opportunity to involve your workplace in a community service event! Monetary donations are also appreciated and are put toward a Kohl's gift card. We are hoping to accept over 200 nominated children, and each child will get to spend up to $100 at Kohl's in either Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo. Volunteer check-in is at 6:00 a.m. and shopping is from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Volunteers must be over 18, and fingerprinted for free through the SLO County YMCA by July 6. Previous KidSpree volunteers do not have to be screened again. You can download this form or contact Jessica Blum at jblum@unitedwayslo.org to register and choose a fingerprinting time and date.  Male and Spanish speaking volunteers are needed too.  Join us in making a difference in the life of a young student!

Annual Recognition Event Highlights

Thank you to all who attended our Annual Recognition Event at the Monday Club on Wednesday, June 6. Guests were treated to delicious appetizers served by Porter's Gourmet on the Go, and enjoyed wine poured by Wild Horse Winery. Local musician Tessa Stevens created a relaxing atmosphere with her smooth guitar and vocals.

Awards were given as follows: Excellence Award to the County of SLO; Leadership Award to Accessories Marketing; Local Company Achievement Award to Zurn Wilkins; National Company Achievement Award to Aera Energy; Best New Workplace Giving Program to Verdin; Community Spirit Award to Kiwanis Clubs of Division 24; Emerging Leader Award to the Flavor of SLO Team; Innovation Award to SLO Noor Foundation Clinic; and $80,000 in Community Impact Fund Awards are listed here. Special Recognition went to Scolari's Food & Drug Company, and we recognized outgoing Youth Board President Ben Lowerison. Special tribute was paid to Melvin C. Caldwell, who had a great impact on others and will remain in our hearts.  

2011-2012 Review

As schools in San Luis Obispo County have closed their doors for summer, so the Youth Board members take a hiatus from their monthly meetings and activities.

We are happy to report that the Youth Board grants awarded were spent successfully. One assisted the Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County field trip to Sinsheimer Pool, where Bigs and Littles created stronger bonds. Incarcerated teens at Juvenile Hall benefited from the grant awarded to the Restorative Partners program as they now have books for book clubs and self-recovery purposes. Both parties reported a great impact on youth.

More memories from this past year include helping organize clothing for Lisa Ray's Children's Resource Network of the Central Coast in Arroyo Grande on Make a Difference Day and delivering holiday trees and gifts to families in need in December. Members got to know other high school students from 7 different schools in the county through monthly meetings and fun team-builders. We learned about community issues from Sheriff Ian Parkinson and former Morro Bay Police Chief Tim Olivas, learned marketing tips from Mary Verdin, and gained a better understanding of how to start a nonprofit thanks to Lisa Ray.

United Way staff wishes a warm "farewell and congrats" to the seniors that are closing their high school chapter. If interested in becoming a 2012-2013 member, review the application summary, fill out an application and return it to United Way by August 31.

Happy Anniversary to United Way! 125 years ago, a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi collectively addressed their city's welfare problems, raising $21,700 that year to relieve pressing community issues. Through local and external partnerships, United Way went global in support of communities across the continents. Today, United Way has generated billions of dollars to improve lives by strengthening education, income and health programs. It is because of you--the volunteer, the donor, the caring individual--that United Way remains a successful community resource.