United Way of the Midlands

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Richland Northeast High School LIVES UNITED.

December 10, 2009

"People always say our kids are the future, but I try and remind them every day that they are the present," said Kim Sanders, Guidance Counselor at Richland Northeast High School. "When they see that the things they do can make a difference right now, it's amazing how they respond."

     Sanders, who is the high school's college specialist, was there with the Interact Club as they prepared hygiene kits for United Way of the Midlands to distribute to the agencies that need it most in the community. A group of students, led by Interact President and high school senior, Greer Theus, tapped local hotels for shampoo, conditioner and soap. They also contacted local dentists who donated toothpaste, toothbrushes and dental floss. They composed letters on the school letterhead and mailed them to local retailers to solicit their support as well and all of their hard work paid off.
     "People want to get involved because we see that homelessness is an issue here in Columbia and it's easy to support something that you know is a great need in your own community," said Theus. "Donating some extra supplies is a way that we can personally help. I know that each kit I pack is going to go to someone who needs it."
     For Richland Northeast, the spirit of giving is something that the Interact Club has celebrated for the past eight years, but this is the first time they have partnered with United Way of the Midlands.

"In the past, we have driven around and dropped supplies off to agencies we heard of that needed them," said Sanders. "We are so glad to partner with United Way this year because we know that they will distribute the hygiene kits to the people who need it most."
The group sorted the supplies collected and was able to create more than 50 kits and had additional items to donate as well. The results will be presented at the Annual Richland Northeast Hope for the Holidays Assembly on Friday, December 11.

Speakers Bureau Requests

Have a speaker come into your work place to share his or her United Way story. This will allow your employees to hear firsthand how their dollars work in the community. Click here to request a speaker or contact Malik Whitaker at 803.733.5423 or mwhitaker@uway.org for questions about the United Way Speakers Bureau.
Stimulus Info for Nonprofits

Wondering how the 2009 stimulus plan will effect your organization? United Way of the Midlands is working to provide that information to the public as it becomes available. For helpful links and details about how Richland and Lexington counties will benefit from the stimulus plan, CLICK HERE.
Log in to e-CImpact

e-CImpact is a web-based Community Investment software solution, developed specifically for Community Impact driven United Way organizations to support the complete Community Investment process. Partner Agencies may click here to log in to e-CImpact.
Create your own Day of Action!

United Way is encouraging all Midlands residents to join in the LIVE UNITED movement by volunteering. No matter what you choose to do, volunteering in the community benefits us all. You can search our Volunteer Center database for ideas. Find out more