
Red Deer's Poverty Simulator Builds Empathy in 3 Hours
Walk a month in someone else's shoes this June in Red Deer. A free interactive event helps community members understand the daily struggles families face when every dollar counts.
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Walk a month in someone else's shoes this June in Red Deer. A free interactive event helps community members understand the daily struggles families face when every dollar counts.

Hundreds of volunteers across Valdosta, Georgia spent their Friday painting, sorting donations, and improving facilities for local nonprofits during Greater Valdosta United Way's Spring Day of Caring. The biannual event strengthened seven community organizations serving everyone from youth to sexual assault survivors.

Forty volunteers from nine local organizations rolled up their sleeves to transform five nonprofits across Stephens County in one powerful morning. From painting museums to planting gardens, this annual Day of Caring shows how communities thrive when neighbors help neighbors.

Over 2,000 children will run through Bush's Pasture Park this Saturday, supported by 400 volunteers who've perfected the art of organized chaos. The Awesome 3000 fun run has raised over $135,000 for Salem-Keizer schools since United Way revived it in 2021.

Over 200 volunteers in Helena, Montana spent a spring Saturday giving elderly homeowners, veterans, and people with disabilities the yard help they couldn't afford or physically manage themselves. What started as simple lawn care became something much more valuable: new friendships.

United Way of Greater Nashua is rallying volunteers to help stock local food pantries before summer hits and donations typically drop. The annual drive tackles a critical gap when school meals end and families face rising costs.

Over 800 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean parks, package meals, and beautify Bay County during United Way's annual Day of Caring. Their work will feed thousands and make the community shine for months to come.

Over 50 nonprofits gathered at a volunteer fair in Topeka, Kansas to connect with community members ready to make a difference. The United Way event made it easier than ever for people of all ages and abilities to find meaningful ways to help.
United Way of the Plains just invested $4.1 million in 74 programs across Wichita, funding everything from food banks to family support services. The grants will help 57 local charities build a stronger safety net for neighbors facing tough times.

United Way of Wilson County launched an ambitious initiative to lift 1,000 working families out of poverty, starting with a community summit that brought together leaders to understand root causes. Nearly 28% of Wilson County children live below the poverty line, but local leaders are ready to change that.
Trained volunteers in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley have completed over 200 free tax returns this year, saving qualifying families up to $250 each. The United Way program keeps thousands of dollars in local pockets through April.

In just six weeks, trained volunteers in Denton County helped working families claim over $811,000 in tax refunds they might have missed. Since 2008, this free program has put more than $20.5 million back into the pockets of families who need it most.

A Michigan couple comforted a stranger after a deadly accident. They're among 22 people being celebrated for extraordinary kindness in ordinary moments.

Free tax help is transforming lives in Laredo, Texas, where IRS-certified volunteers are tackling years of backlogged returns for veterans, widows, and struggling families. Last year's partnership between Catholic Charities and United Way trained 16 volunteers who've already completed hundreds of returns this season.
Erie County is launching a coordinated effort to help thousands of working families who earn above poverty wages but still struggle with one unexpected bill. United Way is partnering with housing authorities and universities to create stable pathways out of financial crisis.

A community soup sale in Indiana County just raised $13,000 for United Way, with 900 pre-orders flying out the door and local restaurants competing for the coveted Souper Bowl champion title. Eight local eateries ladled out their best recipes to hungry neighbors supporting a great cause.

After a dangerous winter storm left sidewalks dangerously icy, Charlottesville launched a volunteer network connecting neighbors who need help with those ready to shovel. The United Way and city officials are coordinating the community effort to keep everyone safe. ##

When record snowfall trapped elderly and disabled residents in Charlottesville, the city partnered with United Way to connect neighbors willing to shovel with those who couldn't do it themselves. Now hundreds of volunteers are signing up to make sure everyone can safely leave their homes.

United Way of Lancaster County just launched Community Connect 2026, a new program that removes barriers for people who need to complete service hours. The initiative connects volunteers with organizations ready to welcome them, no obstacles required.