Projects addressed summer learning, nutrition and needs of struggling households
DANBURY, CT -- Through Day of Action, United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) engaged more than 200 volunteers in a variety of service projects throughout Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties on Thursday, June 21.
Summer learning and nutrition were the national focus for United Way Day of Action, allowing UWWC to more precisely serve hard-working Western Connecticut households we identify as ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE comprises 38% of Connecticut households who struggle to afford the necessities of life: housing, healthcare, food, childcare.
Summer is a critical time for children’s academic and physical well-being, but in too many communities, kids are falling behind and going hungry during the summer months. Boosting summer learning – and working with schools, summer programs, employers and other nonprofits – is part of United Way’s strategy to help kids succeed in school, work and life. United Way was honored to partner with End Hunger Connecticut this year to host a Summer Meals Blitz to increase awareness of the free summer meal sites in and around Greater Danbury.
“Volunteers making an active change in our community is at the heart of Day of Action,” said Kimberly Morgan, CEO of UWWC. “Our area is fortunate to be home to many socially responsible companies that share our values of volunteerism and community investment. We are grateful for their encouragement and dedication of an entire employee workday to volunteering. It is because of their leadership and commitment to our community that so much important work is completed.”
This year’s major Day of Action projects were centered on the themes of summer learning and nutrition. After the event’s kick off at the Danbury City Center Green at Ives Street, teams of volunteers got to work packing weekend food kits and literacy kits. For our third year, we had volunteers build summer literacy kits filled with books and reading supplies for 210 local second grade students at Hayestown Avenue School in Danbury, and Hill and Plain School in New Milford. These Camp Wannaread literacy kits help students combat literacy skill loss that occurs over summer break, which can set some students back up to three months academically. In addition, teams of volunteers took to neighborhoods in Danbury to raise awareness and share information about accessing summer meals with End Hunger Connecticut on a Summer Meal Blitz.
After the supplies were packed, the City Center Green transformed into a summer fair for a Community Block Party, where area families learned about community resources to keep families healthy and engaged academically this summer, while enjoying carnival games, face painting and interacting with animals from Animal Embassy. Children and families were able to pick up some new some summer reading from a UPS truck stocked with books for readers at all levels.
In addition to these projects, Day of Action volunteers from area companies engaged in projects such as reading to children, improvements at area childcare centers, beautification projects to community parks and museums, and lending a hand at the New Milford Senior Center—community centers which impact and add value to the lives of ALICE households.
Launched in 2008, United Way’s Day of Action is an annual event that mobilizes thousands of volunteers to make a meaningful impact in more than 400 communities around the world. UWWC’s Day of Action could not have been successful without the generous donation of books from Fairfield County Bank, Kimberly-Clark, Newtown Savings Bank, and UPS. Volunteers at the kick-off breakfast were treated to a filling breakfast donated by Chick-fil-A in Brookfield and fueled up with coffee donated by Starbucks on North Street in Danbury. Pour Me Coffee & Wine Cafe in Danbury donated iced tea to keep volunteers going through the Community Block Party.
Photo Caption: Students from Hayestown School in Danbury pore over their Camp Wannaread Literacy Kits. Day of Action volunteers packed the kits, which help students combat literacy skill loss that occurs over summer break and can set some students back up to three months academically.ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT
United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) improves the lives of hard-working, struggling households by mobilizing the resources of local communities to create lasting change. We help residents across Northern Fairfield County, Southern Litchfield County and the City of Stamford by focusing on the vital building blocks for a good life: Education, Financial Stability and Health. We are committed to ensuring that every child enters school ready to learn, every family is financially stable, and every community we serve is healthy and strong. We are particularly focused on a population that United Way identifies as ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) in our communities. A United Way report published in October 2016 revealed that in Connecticut, more than 1 in 4 households has earnings above the Federal Poverty Level, but below a basic cost-of-living threshold. Combined with those who are struggling below poverty level, 38% of all households in the state are experiencing financial hardship. By leveraging the collective power of the community, we are focused on creating an environment where individuals and families are self-sufficient and can achieve financial independence. For more information about United Way of Western Connecticut, please visit: www.uwwesternct.org. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram. Watch us on YouTube.
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Contact:
Bridget Fox
United Way of Western Connecticut
203-883-0960
bridget.fox@uwwesternct.org
Website: www.uwwesternct.org