Greetings!

When I was growing up in West Virginia I had a job working on a small farm owned by Dave and Ann Kinney. I was a general laborer assigned to simple tasks like cleaning out the barn, feeding cows, and mending fences. No matter how hard I worked to get things done the to-do list seemed to keep growing. I never ran out of things to do.

I often feel that way even today. No matter how productive I am there is still more that could be done. I am willing to bet that you, the people who are kind enough to follow and support the work of the United Way, often feel the same way. No matter what you give, no matter how hard you work there are still more people who need our help.   

As my gift to you this holiday season I want to pass on a piece of wisdom the Kinney's gave me a long time ago. They told me, "At the end of every day go back and look at the work you did. Look at the field that was mowed, the barn that was cleaned and the fence that was mended. We want you to feel good about what you did today because as you drive home you will think about all the things you didn't do. We want you to feel good about today so when you come back tomorrow you'll be ready to work hard knowing what you do makes a difference."

As you think back on the year just past I hope you will take the Kinney's advice and take a few minutes to consider all the work we have done and the people we have helped. I hope that satisfaction fortifies you when you are overwhelmed by all that is yet to be done.

Thank you for living united and for supporting those in need.


- Steve Wade
Executive Director

Happy Holidays to all you fabulous volunteers in northwest Michigan!

As I set up a new calendar for 2011, I'm amazed with the amount of work you all have done!  Our 2010 calendars were filled!  You gave of yourselves with enthusiasm.  You made a difference.  You read to a child, answered a call for help, drove someone to their doctors appointment, put up a grab bar, helped with a mailing, helped with a community celebration, a fundraiser, delivered a meal, helped in a food pantry, helped the environment!  You did it with flare, good tidings and great joy. 

May the blessing of this season find you with those that you love.  Let's look towards 2011 with optimism and the true spirit of volunteerism.  The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will be 40 years old in 2011!  The Volunteer Center will be 16!  We have come a long way and together we'll keep going, making a difference because of your example.  Happy holidays!

-Susan McQuaid
Volunteer Center Director



My son came home from preschool one day and asked me. "Mommy, what do we celebrate?" I did not understand the question at first and until he clarified, "Do we celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanza? (Keep in mind he is four so pronunciation was a bit off) "We celebrate Christmas," I responded with a smile.

I took advantage of this learning opportunity and asked "Do you know why we celebrate Christmas?" His reply, "because we get to see Santa and have decorations and presents." Yikes...it seemed I had some work to do.

I have found in the past that a conversation while doing was far easier for my four-year old to grasp than words alone.

So away we went...we flew like a flash...we pick out a toy for Toys for Tots, hit the Salvation Army Bucket with our loose change, dropped off a bag of groceries to a local food pantry and stopped at Seven Eleven for a snack and bought an extra to give to Tom.

I soon realized it's never too late to develop new traditions and find ways to emphasize what the holidays are all about to your family. Not just about their faith and celebrations but also about charity and generosity.

And From our family to yours, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza!

-Michelle Krumm
Fund Development Director
.

In 3 short years of working for United Way of Northwest Michigan I have seen the people of our community do some amazing things.  Time and time again you stand up and meet the challenges that are thrown your way.  We ask you for money and you donate. We ask you to volunteer and you do.  We ask you to donate your products and services and you always say yes.  I am continually amazed and overwhelmed by your spirit, your compassion and your generosity.

 

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." - Agnes M. Pharo

 

Thank you for everything that you do, not just during the holidays but all year long.

 

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

 

-Michelle Gallagher

Marketing Coordinator

   




This year, I'm spending the holiday season on the other side of the world, and as I prepare for my upcoming trip, I look at the snow, falling in soft, white flakes to the ground.  It's hard to believe that I started with the United Way during the hot, muggy month of July, and it's nearly Christmas! Each member of the staff has welcomed me, and truly made me feel a part of the "United Way Family." To them, I am grateful.

From my office, I reflect on my experiences from the time when I started with the United Way: Since becoming the RSVP Coordinator, I am amazed at the many, many volunteers who gave their time to put light in the eyes of so many who needed a helping hand!  What a pleasure it is; knowing that there are people out there like you: selfless, kind, hard-working, and generous.  You are each a blessing to this community. Thank you, and best wishes for a wonderful, safe, and joyous holiday season! I cannot wait to return from my holiday jaunt across the world and work with you in 2011.

-Kate Kerr
Office Coordinator/RSVP Coordinator




Happy Holidays to all of you! 

 

This season brings such a sense of community to the forefront as each of us shift our focus from wanting to giving.  I am so thankful to be part of a community where people are focused on helping others less fortunate.  Our family has slowly started to focus our gift giving to benefit the greater good - which is an incredibly hard thing to do with three young children!  Thankfully, since we involve them in many volunteer opportunities in the community it was easy to explain that we really do have everything we need.   Over the last couple of weeks we have talked about the things we really need - food, shelter and each other -  and after doing that it was easy for them to understand that everything else was just extra.  We asked each of them to think of the three most important things they would love to get from Santa and then go find items that they were willing to give to Santa for other children to have.  It was a great lesson for them to learn - need versus want and the giving of something to help another person.  I'm so thankful that I can help them grow into caring young people and I can't think of a better place to do that than in Traverse City.  I hope each of you are blessed with wonderful memories this holiday season! 

 

Cheers to you and your family.

 

- Amanda Hilt

Volunteer Center Coordinator
.

"Thanks to each of you for making Northwest Michigan a better place to live!


-Mark Eckhoff

Board President