By Angela DeBoskey
At the United Way, we have a call to action that states “Give. Advocate. Volunteer.” It’s our way of highlighting the power of one and the fact that, despite any constraints with time, finances or experience, each person can make a difference in their community. It’s also a way that we sum up our work here at United Way of Hancock County.
If you feel pulled to become a Difference Maker and don’t know where to start, or if you’d like to further your impact locally, we can help. Let’s start by exploring the ways that anyone at any age can Give, Advocate or Volunteer to help our community thrive.
Give
Our organization has ensured that vital and basic needs are being met for Hancock County residents since 1955. Through the generosity of those who choose to invest in their community through workplace giving campaigns, planned giving or direct donations, we support local agencies providing critical services to those in need.
Over 50 people from all demographics volunteer their time to assess the community’s greatest needs every year. They review local nonprofits in the areas of quality programming, finance and administration, and they have the final say in deciding how nearly $2 million is allocated to help the community annually.
Whether you give $5 or $500, know that every dollar donated stays in Hancock County, helping 1 in 4 people who live and work here.
Advocate
Our work doesn’t stop at understanding our community’s needs and connecting individuals and families with direct services. United Way of Hancock County advocates at the local, state and federal levels to bring in grant dollars to bolster resources that will directly benefit the people we serve. We also help to drive root-cause solutions to community problems. One example of this is our involvement with the groups currently working to bring childcare solutions to Hancock County.
When you advocate for United Way, you help promote our mission to measurably improve people’s lives in Hancock County. Spread the word about United Way’s collective impact and be sure to share our message on social media.
Volunteer
By volunteering your time and talents, you enrich vulnerable people’s lives while helping to advance the work of agencies that are committed to serving our community. You might learn a new skill or meet new friends, and you’re sure to walk away feeling good about the difference you have made.
Our volunteer center facilitated over 10,000 volunteer hours in 2022 alone, shattering previous years’ records. And we’re on track to do it again this year. No matter your skill set or the cause you wish to champion, we can connect you with a meaningful volunteer opportunity to give back.
Put most simply, our goal is to help people. Join us and either Give to fuel community solutions, Advocate for a cause that matters to you, or Volunteer to help a person get on a better path. Visit www.uwhancock.org to explore more.
DeBoskey is CEO of United Way of Hancock County.
(This guest column appeared in the Findlay Courier on July 26, 2023.)