Kellie Scafe | United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region

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Youth United Way is an entirely youth led philanthropy experience for local high school students.  These students meet every Monday night to discuss issues in our community, learn about the grant process, volunteer, and of course, have fun.  In order to experience philanthropy first hand, the students are given a budget and award grants to youth based programs they’d like to fund.  They are about to begin their funding cycle, where they will be hearing from any local nonprofits who serve youth.  

Tis the season to spread holiday cheer, and what better way to do that then by helping out those in need?  This year, we decided to use our annual all staff holiday party as an opportunity for a Day of Caring.  Back in August, our team rolled up their sleeves to give back in Battle Creek, and we were excited to have another chance to volunteer with one our amazing partners.

Did you brave the masses on Black Friday?  Were you glued to your computer screen for Cyber Monday?  The holiday season brings a lot of fun and a sense of community, but it also brings out a lot of rushing, consumerism, and stress.  Wouldn’t it be great if we had one day during this time that was dedicated to the greater good and giving gifts that could change lives?

Tuesday, October 8 we invited community members to join us for a bus tour through Battle Creek to learn more about how our region is changing the story through education.  We made four stops and we were fortunate enough to have two experts join us on the bus to talk more about certain initiatives.