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LIVE UNITED!
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IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GIVE
United Way Loaned Executive Regina Starr, chemical analyst from Alcoa Howmet in Whitehall, wrote the following article:
 | | Regina Starr |
Recently, I was given the opportunity to be the Loaned Executive for the United Way, representing Alcoa Howmet in the 2011 campaign. This year the focus was on the 211 "Get Connected. Get Answers." - the Community Access Line of the Lakeshore that provides a 24 hour link to health and human services. Prior to this experience, my knowledge of the UW was limited at best. For years I filled out the form and felt that I had done my fair share, taking little thought of what I was really doing or even gave any attention to the 211 card. By simply dialing 211 you can be connected to local services such as food resources, housing assistance, services for seniors, utility assistance, health supportive services, and much more.
During training I gained a greater appreciation for the UW and the many agencies they support, which was both enlightening and informative. Just to name a few agencies, such as the Red Cross - first responders during crisis situations and a liaison between families and troops; Big Brothers and Big Sisters connect children with men and women that are willing to spend time with them; Habitat for Humanity works with low income individuals to assist them with becoming first time home owners; and Harbor Hospice ,who provides families with much needed medical care and support during life's transition.
YES! UW needs your contributions because without the monetary support they would not be able to provide support to the many agencies they do. However, I have come to believe that the UW is about people and the numerous lives they impact on a daily basis. Once I put a face to the UW and realized that they assisted my family in times of need, I honestly and with conviction became a true advocate. To those persons who have not considered giving, consider this, UW may have to help our mother, father, sister, brother, son daughter, a loved one or a neighbor. Let's join forces, leverage our resources and LIVE UNITED! |
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PAINT A TILE
AT UNITED WAY!
If you donate $50 or more to the United Way building fund, you may paint a 6x6 tile that will be displayed around the interior walls of the United Way building.
Wednesday, December 21
from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
at United Way, 31 E. Clay
Please contact Lisa@unitedwaylakeshore.org to sign up!
Thank you to Kate Lillie of Your Plate or Mine
for her generous in-kind donation of supplies.
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CALL 2-1-1
Your 24-hour link to health and human services.
Dial 2-1-1. Cell and pay phones call (231) 733-1155
or toll free at 877-211-5253. www.call-211.org
Dialing 2-1-1 can connect you to local services such as food resources, housing assistance, services for seniors, utility assistance, mental health services, health supportive services, free tax preparation, prescription help, transportation services and more!
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THANK YOU TO THE
"WOMEN WHO CARE"
United Way thanks Women Who Care for the donation of $22,300 for the United Way Emergency Needs Fund. Since September, the money has been used to fund 13 local agencies with a total spending of $12,268.93. We look forward to being able to help many more in the coming months, thanks to your generosity!
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EVENT CALENDAR
Through Monday, December 12: JCPenney is holding its Pennies from Heaven round-up campaign for after-school programming. You can "round-up" your purchase to the next dollar amount and the money will go to after school programs; at the Lakes Mall store, the money goes to United Way of the Lakeshore. Please consider donating your "Pennies from Heaven" to help youth in our community!
Thursday, December 15: FREE seminar - Tax Credits: A Boost for Working Families and the Community. Breakfast at 7:45 a.m., program from 8 to 10 a.m. at Muskegon Community College. Pre-register to receive a FREE toolkit of resource materials. Contact jdrake@goodwillwm.org.
Monday, January 23, 2012:
14th Annual Soup's on for All from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the B.O.B. (20 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids). A benefit for the food and pantry programs of God's Kitchen. Advance tickets are $50 or $60 at the door. Contact Catholic Charities West Michigan with event questions at (616) 551-5659 or events@ccwestmi.org.
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MEDICATION
DISPOSAL PROGRAM
Muskegon County residents now have access to an expanded network of daily medication disposal options. The Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program (MAMDP) has established partnerships with six local law enforcement agency locations to offer safe, convenient collection and environmentally responsible disposal of controlled medications. Muskegon County residents may take their unwanted or expired controlled medications to the following agencies:
Montague Police Department,
8778 Ferry Street, Montague
Muskegon County Sheriff's Office Records, 25 W. Walton Avenue
Muskegon County Sheriff Road Patrol Offices, 1611 East Oak Avenue
Muskegon Police Department, 980 Jefferson Street
Norton Shores Police Department,
4814 Henry Street
Roosevelt Park Police Department, 900 Oak Ridge Road
Please check www.mamdp.com for updated program information.
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VOLUNTEER
The lunch buddy program at McLaughlin Elementary is in need of volunteers weekly on Wednesdays from 12:20 to approximately 1:20 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Joyce Allen at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore at (231) 798-1391.
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The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program provides free tax help to low- to moderate income people. VITA volunteers help hardworking families claim all of the credits they earned. The income boost helps them afford necessities and even build savings. Free tax help also means families save hundreds of dollars in paid preparer fees and high interest refund anticipation loans or checks.
Each tax return completed by a volunteer can raise a working family's income by up to $4,800. Volunteering once a week during the tax season can bring in as much as $51,000 in refunds! No accounting experience required. Volunteers receive free IRS training and certification . There may also be non-tax prep volunteer opportunities.
You can volunteer for day, evening and/or weekends in any of our tax-prep sites.
For more information or to volunteer, CALL 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 or toll free
1-877-211-5253
or sign up online at
abc-wm.volunteerhub.com
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