Take part in the largest food drive in the U.S. on Saturday, May 9. Local letter carriers will collect non-perishable donations from homes as they deliver mail along their postal routes. Last year, more than 73 million pounds of food were collected nationally.
 
Volunteers are also needed at the postal station to help unload food donations from the letter carrier's vehicles. Contact Patricia Leach at 425.212.3221 to sign up.

The Girl Scouts of Western Washington hosted a both to recruit volunteers and network with other local agencies at the 2009 Volunteer Expo at the Everett Mall on Saturday, April 18.

April 15 has passed and the results are in: volunteers at three tax sites completed 1,274 returns, generating $2.1 million in refunds. $688,000 of those crucial refund dollars were earned income tax credits - money that increases low-income working families' ability to afford basic needs and positively impacts the local economy by bringing federal dollars into the community. Last year, more than 90 percent of families who received the credit spent it on food, housing, utilities and health care.
 
Despite a tight economy, a high percentage of tax site customers chose to save part of their refund, purchasing 68 savings bonds worth more than $5,500. This statistic put United Way of Snohomish County in the top 26 nationally and second in the state for split refunds.
 
Many of the 66 site volunteers celebrated their successes at a recent appreciation event held in their honor.

 

 Thanks to our free tax preparation volunteers!

Pictured are the crew from North Middle School.

 

 

Each year, United Way recognizes organizations and individuals that are creating opportunities for a
better life for all with the Spirit of Snohomish
County Awards. The prestigious Spirit Award will be presented to those who demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing the common good.
 
United Way is seeking nominations for an Adult, Youth and/or Company who is actively volunteering, creating a culture of community involvement and inspiring others to serve. Winners will be honored at the Spirit of Snohomish County Breakfast on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 at the Tulalip Resort Casino.
 
Nomination forms may be found at uwsc.org. Submit your nominations online or download the forms and mail, fax or email them by Friday, June 12 to:
 
Spirit of Snohomish County Awards
United Way of Snohomish County
3120 McDougall Avenue, Suite 200
Everett, WA 98201
 
Fax: 425.374.5555
events@uwsc.org
 
For more information, please call 425.374.5570.

 

Companies and employees facing layoffs can find a portal to local unemployment resources at helpforhardtimes.org. Help for Hard Times is a collaborative of more than 13 organizations partnering to help those who find themselves without work. Services include a Rapid Response Team for companies, job retraining, and the web portal with links and information on unemployment benefits, financial assistance and more.

 

Have you moved to a new work or home address? Make sure United Way continues to send the latest materials to your most current address. Please contact Laura Walker at 425.374.5518 or by email at laura.walker@uwsc.org with any changes or updates you may have.