Many of us are living in constant pursuit of our passion or purpose. Finding passion and purpose is often best discovered in service to others. United Way brings together people with the passion and resources to improve lives in our community. Through our volunteer opportunities we encourage everyone to connect where they are most passionate.
Our volunteers are the hands, feet and heart of what we do at the United Way of Northwest Georgia, from advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience; we connect people to possibilities in Whitfield and Murray counties. Without our volunteers, United Way’s impact would have resulted in many not receiving the necessary services to meet critical needs. Our volunteers deserve to be celebrated, especially since they have been on the front lines serving our community.
Our Youth United hosted an Alternative Spring Break with several volunteer projects throughout spring break. These projects allowed students to earn volunteer hours while serving others in our community. Throughout the week, students signed up for volunteer opportunities, including playing games with RossWoods Adult Day Services participants, beautifying the bike trails at the Boys & Girls Club and volunteering to help put together care packages at the Salvation Army. Fifty-three youths have signed up to volunteer and help create a meaningful impact.
National Volunteer Week is April 21-27. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s most significant challenges, build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. The United Way of Northwest Georgia is committed to fostering the spirit of volunteerism and the desire to unite our community. Our volunteers inspire us by continuing to lead the charge. We want to celebrate the efforts of those who stepped up for their community.
Throughout National Volunteer Week we will highlight our youth and adult volunteer award winners at our Youth and Volunteer Awards Celebration. We will award two Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship winners, United Way’s Youth Volunteer of the Year, the Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County and the Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County. We will be recognizing our Youth United Council members and the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards that we will be awarding at local schools’ awards ceremonies. We hope you can join us on our social media channels as we spotlight these outstanding individuals who continue to create a lasting impact.
Our volunteers inspire us daily and remind us why we must continue to meet our community’s greatest needs. There is a service opportunity for every passion. The United Way invites you to discover your purpose by serving others. To find volunteer opportunities in our community, visit ourunitedway.org/volunteer.
How can you serve your local community? You will be amazed at what you can accomplish by giving your time, talent or financial resources. By giving to the United Way of Northwest Georgia your dollar stretches further to help individuals and families who need it most.
Another way is by using your voice and advocating for issues you are passionate about in our community.
And, of course, volunteering is one of the easiest ways to make a difference. Whether it is taking out the trash for your neighbor, making cards for the elderly or even sorting canned goods at your local food pantry, a little act of kindness goes a long way. So please give, advocate and, of course, volunteer.
“United, We Do More!”
Amanda Burt is the president of the United Way of Northwest Georgia.