News from United Way of SLO County

United Way of San Luis Obispo County

Back to School with United Way

We are proud to announce record breaking results from the 2013 KidSpree and Stuff the Bus events. With your help, we are sending more kids than ever back to school with the tools needed to succeed!

Thank you to all of our donors and sponsors: Kohl's San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles for hosting KidSpree, the Kiwanis Clubs of Bay-Osos and Paso Robles for breakfast, Starbucks for providing coffee for our volunteers, SLO County YMCA for Live Scan fingerprinting, the Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Office Max stores for hosting Stuff the Bus, Lucia Mar Unified, San Luis Coastal Unified and Paso Robles Joint Unified school districts for the use of their buses, Meathead Movers for donating boxes to sort school supplies, Stuff the Bus Gold Sponsor Golden 1 Credit Union, Silver Sponsor Zurn, and all of our satellite collection sites, Coast Hills Federal Credit Union, Dignity Health, Etna Interactive, Farm Supply, Lindamood Bell Learning Centers, MINDBODY, Neal-Truesdale Insurance, Pacific Eye, Progema, Rosetta, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, U.S. Bank, Union Bank, Verdin and Walgreens.

Along with hosting these donations sites, businesses also participated in the "Creative Collection Site Contest." UWSLOC congratulates the winners in each category:

Lisa Frank Visionary Award: Rosetta, SLO

Trapper Keeper Achievement Award: Pacific Eye

Mr. Sketch Legend Award: Etna Interactive

MindBody was also honored with the special Five Star Award in recognition of the amount of school supplies the employees donated.

Last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank all of the volunteers and donors who made KidSpree and Stuff theBus all possible!

For more information, check out photos from both events on our Facebook page or contact Rachel Cementina.

Early Learning Connection

Coming up on Friday, August 30, United Way of San Luis Obispo County will host another free grandparent reading circle and Born Learning Trail tour. These reading and discovery times will take place at the SLO Senior Citizens Center in Mitchell Park (1445, Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401) from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. This fun event is open to all children, parents, grandparents, and family members. For more information call (805) 541-1234.

Youth Board Accepting Applications

Youth Board

The United Way Youth Board is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Board. The Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience that gives youth the control and responsibility of their projects. Students serve as a United Way Board of Directors and are given the opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by addressing the needs of their community. Board members must live in San Luis Obispo County, be high school age, and commit to attending one meeting each month.

Learn more about the program and download an application online at www.unitedwayslo.org/youthboard. Questions and applications can be submitted to youthboard@unitedwayslo.org.

Pictured above are members of the Youth Board at the 2013 Annual Recognition Event.

Boogie on the Bluff

United Way of San Luis Obispo County and SeaCrest Hotel are proud to introduce the 1st Annual Boogie on the Bluff! Join us on Sunday afternoon, October 27th for this fun-filled afternoon. Featuring music by Louie Ortega, local food, wine and beer, all with a view of the beautiful Pismo Coast. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 5-20), or upgrade to a luxury cabana for $150.

Buy tickets here!

Save the Date for Make a Difference Day

Volunteer for the 16th Annual Make A Difference Day on October 26, 2013! Join hundreds of community members and college students who will volunteer their time at sites across the county. Organized by Cal Poly's Center for Community Engagement and United Way, the day begins with a kickoff breakfast at 9:00 AM at Chumash Auditorium, and community service takes place from 10:00-2:00 PM. Contact United Way at (805) 541-1234 for more information.

Opportunities abound in this month's edition of the Opportunity Exchange. Take a look and find an opportunity to Give, Advocate or Volunteer. The Opportunity Exchange is also a great place for you or your business to post items you would like to donate, such as furniture or office equipment.

If you would like more information on specific needs, volunteer opportunities or upcoming events, please contact the agency directly using the information provided in each listing.