Day of Caring 2014

Friday, September 19th, 2014 was this year's Day of Caring (DOC). On this day, the United Way of Greater Williamsburg (UWGW) matched teams of dedicated volunteers to projects for various non-profit and public service agencies throughout the Greater Williamsburg community. This year, more than 570 volunteers completed 43 projects located at 34 different sites to benefit our community!  

Much thanks to our volunteer photographers - Lindsey Lyons at  www.llyonsphotography.com and Cymandye Russell and videographer- Keith Reagan at www.keithreagan.com.  

Visit our Facebook page to view and tag pictures!  CLICK HERE to view this year's Day of Caring video courtesy of Keith Reagan.  

Premier Sponsors: Chesapeake Bank, Fort Magruder, Sentara, and Walmart Logistics.

Day of Caring Breakfast donated by: Aroma's, Chick-Fil-A, Denny's, Emily's Donuts and Cafe, Harris Teeter, Golden Corral, La Patisserie, PepsiCo, Sal's, Mama Steve's House of Pancakes, Martin's, and Rocco's. 

2014 Campaign Underway

Local businesses and citizens like you provide tremendous support to the United Way during campaign and throughout the year. Support from the Greater Williamsburg community allows UWGW to fund successful programs that benefit our friends and neighbors in need. To contribute to the efforts of the United Way of Greater Williamsburg call us at 757-253-2264 or visit our website at www.UWGW.org and donate today!

Thank you to Ann Symroski and the Williamsburg Landing Volunteers for helping with the Citizens Campaign.  

Virginia Peninsula FoodBank Recognizes UWGW 

 Virginia Peninsula FoodBank recently recognized UWGW for partnering with the FoodBank to deliver fresh produce and USDA foods to those in need in Greater Williamsburg. Monthly Food Pantries are held the third Thursday of each month at the United Way Community Resource Center. On average, the monthly Food Pantry serves 115 families totaling more than 320 people.  

Volunteer for the Food Pantry by contacting the United Way at 757-253-2264.

New Twist on the Christmas Program 

This year churches, agencies, companies, and donors are invited to sign up with one of four agencies coordinating a comprehensive Christmas Present Program for 2014 to provide gifts to children in low-income families. The United Way Community Resource Center, Salvation Army, St. Bede Catholic Church, and Grove Christian Outreach will maintain one centralized list to ensure that families are not duplicated. 

The United Way will act as a central hub and referral source for all clients. For more information contact Kim Rodriguez at 229-2222.

Recognizing the opportunity to make a greater community impact by harnessing the collective energy of many, the United Way of Greater Williamsburg is planning to provide a significant grant over a three year period to fund a collaborative project addressing homelessness and housing insecurity.   

The Board of Directors acknowledges homelessness and housing insecurity as an emerging and persistent human service need in the Greater Williamsburg community. As stewards of United Way resources, the Board views this new initiative as a significant opportunity to encourage innovation and responsiveness to housing challenges in our community. 

The new initiative will be in the form of a request for proposals (RFP) and will be in addition to traditional United Way community investment in health and human service programs. The new RFP will encourage collaborative groups to submit proposals for creative and comprehensive programs or systems to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the Greater Williamsburg community by April 15, 2015, following a detailed publication of the RFP on March 1, 2015. 

Upcoming Community Events

Yankee Candle will be holding a Coat Drive in October, Non-Perishable Food Drive in November, and a Coin Drive in December to benefit the United Way Community Resource Center. Stop by Yankee Candle in Williamsburg and follow us on Facebook for upcoming details. 

Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for November and December to assist with Holiday activities.

If you are interested, please contact Vicki Davis at  Vicki_Davis@uss.salvationarmy.org or 757-229-6651, ext 12.

3rd Annual Shorty's Fall Classic Cruz Thru

Saturday, Nov 1 8am-2pm 

627 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg VA

$10 Show Registration fee

Proceeds go to The Arc of Greater Williamsburg

Awards for "Best in Show" & more!

Saturday, December 6th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm 

Located- New Town Art Gallery

-This event will feature entertainment, refreshments, and raffles, as well as show off artwork by some of the women and children Avalon serves. 

 Holiday Musical Showcase

Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 - 3:30 

Located- the green space next to the Gazebo 

- This event will feature local entertainers performing holiday music.

-This showcase will be free and open to the public.

Please contact Bridget C

asey at bridget@avaloncenter.org for more information. 

Girl Scout Famous Formers Luncheon

Each Girl Scout membership year, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast recognize local Girl Scout alumnae who are leaders in their field. These women serve as role models for girls today - the future leaders of tomorrow. Join us to celebrate this year's honorees and hear from guest speaker Laura Contreras-Rowe.

Norfolk Yacht Club, 7001 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at www.gsccc.org

Volunteer Open House

"The Power of Hope and Personhood in Dementia Care", Dr. Constance Lyketsos, Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center

Monday, October 27, 2014. 2 sessions: 

1:30-3 pm (health care professionals) and 

3:30-5 pm (families, volunteers working with dementia clients), 

Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185.  

Register online at www.SeniorServicesCoalition.com or via phone at 757.585.2710.