Giving your time as a volunteer is one way to make a difference in our communities this year and in the coming new year.  Whether you're serving holiday meals, putting your skills to work on a community project, or reading to students, your act of volunteerism makes your community stronger.   

It's estimated that in Connecticut, each hour of volunteer time is worth over $28,  but the real value is the positive impact that you will see in your community as a result.  To find volunteer opportunities near you, call 2-1-1 or visit the Volunteer Connecticut website at VolunteerCT.org.

You can also make a difference in your community by giving food, gifts, and donations to help those in need, and the need this holiday season is great.  2-1-1 call data shows that statewide, 1-in-4 requests for information about holiday meal and gift programs are unfulfilled.  If you want to help meet these needs, please reach out to local faith-based and service organizations to see what assistance you can provide in your community.

At United Way, our call to action is GIVE, ADVOCATE, VOLUNTEER.  We thank each of you for doing just that throughout 2013, and wish you a happy new year.