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.

When Brian Sharp told his girlfriend he’d won the United Way Sweepstakes for a new automobile, her reaction was one of relief.

“Honestly, I think a few tears of joy came to her eyes because I’ve been frustrated with repairs on my current vehicle and have spent so much time looking at new cars debating whether it was time to buy a new vehicle,” said Sharp, a 17-year Stryker employee in Kalamazoo.

As for Sharp himself? “I was a little speechless and very excited,” he said.

For the third consecutive year, a national movement to engage people in support of their favorite charities is providing opportunities for local givers to make a difference.

#GivingTuesday, which takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. Begun in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and other nonprofits, it celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations.