Recognizing Heroes - Past & Present

At this month’s Apogee Awards, the finalists and their well-wishers will arrive at Armature Works in dazzling attire. On Sept. 18, we’ll marvel at the gorgeous gowns and sharp suits, all accentuated with just the right accoutrements. Make no mistake, however, it’s their appearance at the less glamorous events that make them worthy of recognition. It’s the long hours they spend in board meetings with rolled up sleeves, guiding the efforts of worthy nonprofits. It’s the sweat equity they invest in community projects, wearing T-shirts and shorts on a warm Saturday morning. It’s the work they do far from the spotlight in polo shirts and khaki pants that has this community dressed for success. United Way Suncoast serves as the nonprofit sponsor of TBBW’s Apogee Awards not to share the spotlight with the finalists, but to illuminate the difference they make for their companies and the community. As one of the region’s leading philanthropic organizations, we know the value of volunteers and board members. Everything we do is in partnership with dedicated nonprofits, corporate supporters, individual donors and, of course, our vaunted volunteers. We join in celebration of the honorees who have reached the peak of professional success and charitable giving because they deserve our gratitude.?

The September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance is a chance to honor the sacrifices made that day by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others' acts of service to defend our nation's freedom. Each year, we invite volunteers to support the community at projects that honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11.

Opportunities to volunteer are happening now through Saturday September 14th, with a Good Deeds at Home option as well!

VITA Site Coordinator Recruiting?

United Way seeks volunteers for no-cost tax service to meet ‘ALICE’ population needs

Are you a good communicator who enjoys learning and possesses a passion for serving the community?

United Way Suncoast needs you to be a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site Coordinator.?

Our VITA program provide no-cost tax preparation services to community members, and Site Coordinators bring dynamic leadership to our VITA site operation. Your role will involve ensuring a smooth process at the tax site, managing trained volunteers, and following program guidelines to ensure high-quality service.

No professional tax experience is required, and free training is provided.

VISIT: volunteersuncoast.org/VITA

Interested in next steps? Email: [email protected]

Stuff the Bus

United Way Suncoast and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee are excited to bring you volunteer opportunities for Stuff the Bus on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at all Manatee County Publix Locations!

Inflation and higher costs of living have caused food insecurity in our community to skyrocket. The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, has been the leading, local source of nutrition in Manatee County since 1985. As the only food bank based in Manatee County, we need your help to Stuff the Bus this year! 100% of the food collected will support individuals and families in Manatee County.

Information and volunteer shifts can be found here.

Listen Up:

United Way Suncoast Featured In New Podcasts

Think Big is a national non-profit and United Way Suncoast partner with a mission to break the cycle of poverty among teens and young adults by preparing them to excel in today’s workforce. Think Big podcast host Jennie Treby recently sat with United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff to discuss the alignment of the organizations' respective missions.

United Way Suncoast consultant Michael Corley of The Corley Company, LLC. produces his own podcast . He recently welcomed GTE Financial vice president and United Way Suncoast board member Gerhard Toth about how board service must be accompanied by passion and engagement.

Campaign Coordinators of the Year

Check out our latest blog post highlighting our Campaign Coordinators of the year.

Congratulations to Marissa Katzenberger and Jennifer Huber !

Suncoast Snapshots

Bay Area Legal Services offers free civil legal assistance to qualifying residents in our five-county service area and seniors and veterans throughout Florida. Check out the Suncoast Snapshot featuring Attorney Jim Moss.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay manages multiple referral lines through its Gateway Contact Center including 211, which is supported in part by United Way Suncoast. The center also offers support through 988, a suicide and crisis lifeline. Check out the Suncoast Snapshot featuring Clara Reynolds , CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

A huge shoutout to HELM Crop Solutions for their incredible support during their company-wide day of service at our nonprofit partner, Feeding Tampa Bay ! We are deeply grateful for their dedication to making a difference in our community.

With two out of every five families in our Suncoast region struggling to meet basic household budget needs, access to food can truly change lives. Thank you, Helm Agro, for being part of the solution and helping us nourish our community!

Back to School Supply Drive: A huge thank you to the 15 incredible organizations and community members who made our Back to School Drive a tremendous success! Together, we collected over 2,000 school supplies to help students and teachers kick off the school year with everything they need. We loved hearing the creative ways companies made donating a friendly competition amongst their team members like West Shore Home Tampa and Breakthru Beverage Group. Or how USAA and CDH unit at John Hopkins Children's Hospital also created back to school backpacks with the donated school supplies. Thank you to everyone who participated this year!

September Engagement:

At United Way Suncoast, we elevate early learning, we energize middle and high school students, and we empower community members and families. Our goal is to uplift ALICE families as they cultivate a future beyond the circumstantial constraints put on them. During the month of September and throughout the year, we encourage you to be United for Community through volunteerism, donations, or advocacy.

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VOLUNTEER

• The September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance is a chance to honor the sacrifices made that day by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others' acts of service to defend our nation's freedom. We invite you to join community service projects to honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11. View this page to find an opportunity in your area.
• Quality Childcare Initiative:?High-quality preschool gives children a strong start on the path that leads to college or a career. Corporate and Civic Groups can volunteer to enhance the children's learning environment through a variety of tasks. More details
• Distribute food donations at North Greenwood Resource Center.?The North Greenwood Resource Center addresses the need for financial stability by providing individuals with job search and preparation services, training and certifications, and financial education through ongoing programs and partner relationships that meet the needs of employers and residents. Sign up here to volunteer at the resource center during this food distribution opportunity.
• Ronald McDonald House: The Mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Through this opportunity, volunteers provide a well-balanced meal to families after they've spent all day at the hospital. Sign up here to volunteer at the Tampa location.
• View our opportunity?calendar for other ways you can volunteer in our community.?View calendar.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, corporate and civic partners are invited to sponsor Bilingual Literacy Kits as an engagement opportunity for their team of volunteers. Two sponsorships are available.

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DIY OPPORTUNITIES

Community volunteers are invited to create the below kits at home that would be distributed to children in the Suncoast region:

• Preschool Learning Kits
• Period Positivity Kits