(The following is a Thanksgiving message from Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner)
Well, Thanksgiving is here! It can feel like a blur between parties, family gatherings and seasonal events. In between those moments the peace of thankfulness for all I have is a warm and humbling moment. That’s what Thanksgiving is about, right? Taking stock of all we’ve received and being thankful. After all, many people are not as…
News
By John Bailey
Catawba County United Way
Darlene Sanders has a lot to be thankful for in life.
At the age of 58, she has a job she loves, a comfortable home, a car she owns and more importantly she just got her first driver’s license.
Nearly a decade ago, her life was completely different. She admits chasing the next high was the only thing she cared about when she was younger.
"My intentions weren't focused on anything legal, but today that…
By John Bailey
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
The Catawba County United Way recently celebrated the work of local volunteers during the annual Giving from the Heart (GFH) Volunteer Awards.
This year it returned to the Catawba Country Club on Nov. 18 as an in-person event and is the county’s annual opportunity to recognize those outstanding volunteers who make all the difference when it comes to helping local non-profits.
“These are the individuals…
The Salvation Army – Shelter of Hope
Every year the Catawba County United Way is focused on supporting programs that work to improve people’s lives by providing safe and secure environments.
This is one of those stories from CCUW funded partner, The Salvation Army Shelter of Hope.
Alan entered the Shelter of Hope in 2020.
He is originally from Poland and has been in the United States since 1995. He is a certified welder and has done well in…
After a year off because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Catawba County United Way Cross Country Invitational was back on Oct. 13 with 33 teams from throughout the region, lining up and ready to compete.
The 28th annual event was again held at Southside Park in Newton where more than 600 runners competed in five different race categories.
Team winners included: T.C. Roberson – boys 3A/4A championship, Providence Day School – girls 3A/4A…
It might still be September but the Catawba County Christmas Bureau “Elves” are already hard at work preparing for this year’s annual event, Dec. 13-14.
The Christmas Bureau is a collaborative effort among many Catawba County agencies and organizations to provide toys, food, clothing and coats to children and teenagers in need of assistance during the Christmas season.
2020 Christmas Bureau "Elves" helping distribute holiday cheer.
In 2020,…
It is that time again – time to recognize those outstanding volunteers who make all the difference when it comes to helping local non-profits assist those in a crisis.
Some of the 2020 GFH nominees.
The Catawba County United Way is planning to host the annual Giving from the Heart Volunteer Awards on Nov. 18 to help recognize these invaluable individuals.
One agency/organization may submit a maximum of five nominations in each category:…
By John Bailey
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
From the crews in the pit area, to the volunteers in concessions, to the dozens of organizations sharing information with the public, the Catawba County United Way’s Ready to Race United event was an example of collaboration in action for the more than 2,600 race fans who showed up for a free night of racing and fireworks.
Held on Aug. 21, Ready to Race United was a partnership between the CCUW and the…
By John Bailey
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Every educator has one...a stash of extra classroom supplies, according to Webb A. Murray Elementary Principal Angela Garcia.
"Sometimes we get a call from a mother who will say, she went shopping, but has four students in school and all of them have notebooks and pencils because she thinks that is what is the most important, but then can’t buy all of them crayons and scissors,” Garcia said.
The…
By John Bailey
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
You can never have too many crayons, according to Webb A. Murray Elementary School Guidance Counselor Pa Lusk.
While this seems like a small thing to worry about, it’s part of the bigger issue of making ends meet for families with limited financial resources, of choosing what to buy or not to buy on yearly classroom supply lists.
Webb A. Murray Elementary School Guidance Counselor Pa Lusk and…