Community Initiatives
Suit Yourself
Suit Yourself is a chance for local unemployed and underemployed residents to shop for new and gently used business attire at no charge. Local Human Resources representatives make presentations on interview tips and other job search related information. One-on-one time is available after each presentation for questions and resume reviews. Each person is asked to bring a copy of their most recent resume with them. To find out more about Suit Yourself, please phone the North Penn United Way at 215-855-3002.
Stuff the Bus
The North Penn United Way is dedicated to making sure that all elementary students in the Greater North Penn/Indian Valley can enjoy his or her first day of school with a backpack, new school supplies, and a smile on their face. In 2009, we received requests for over 1,000 backpacks, which was significantly higher than in previous years. Through a combined effort with valued community partners and retail stores, we were able to collect over 1,070 backpacks for students in the North Penn and Souderton Area school districts. To participate in the 2010 collection, or to volunteer, contact Betsy Roush at betsyroush@comcast.net
Money in Your Pocket
Together, with the Greater North Penn Collaborative for Health and Human Services, the North Penn United Way supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites throughout the North Penn and Indian Valley areas. These sites offer FREE tax preparation services to individuals and families earning less than $55K annually, and can aid taxpayers who are eligible, in claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit. In 2010, the sites will have Financial Stability Assistants on hand to help clients in the creation and implementation of a realistic budget, to screen clients for social services benefits and to provide clients with valuable information on saving, spending and using credit wisely. To volunteer to work at a VITA site, please contact Inger Berg at i.berg@npuw.org. Taxpayers wishing to utilize the FREE tax preparation service at a VITA site may phone the North Penn United Way at 215-855-3002.
FamilyWize
The goal of this community partnership is to reduce the cost of medicine for children, families and individuals with no prescription drug coverage by approximately $100. FamilyWize cards are being distributed free of charge in the North Penn and Indian Valley areas through support from the North Penn United Way. The discounts and savings are provided voluntarily by the participating pharmacies that accept this card. Please remember to thank your pharmacy for its participation and those helping to give out the cards for the difference they are making for you, your family and your community.
Day of Caring
On September 22, 2009, more than 260 volunteers participated in our Annual Day of Caring event, lending their time to 43 various projects at several agency partners in the North Penn and Indian Valley areas. Supplies and materials were donated use through the generosity of Lowe's, making this Day of Caring a success. Projects typically include: painting, landscaping, flooring and plumbing, though no background in any of these areas is required to participate in the Day of Caring. While the Day of Caring event occurs on just one day each year, the North Penn United Way encourages you to give your time year round if you are able. Please visit: liveunited.delval.volunteermatch.org to search for volunteer opportunities in your area, or call the North Penn United Way at 215-855-3002.
Gift of Warmth
What is the Gift of Warmth?
This year, due to the high cost of energy, coupled with the current economic crisis, it will be difficult for many people in our community to keep warm during the winter months. The Gift of Warmth Program is working to raise funds to provide financial assistance to the needy to help ensure that everyone has a warm, safe place to live this winter.
How does the Gift of Warmth program work?
Each year during the holiday season, many businesses send tokens of appreciation to colleagues, clients and vendors to thank them for their business and friendship throughout the year. The Gift of Warmth Program offers socially conscious businesses a unique opportunity to donate funds normally set aside for holiday gifts to families and individuals in need of financial assistance. In return, businesses receive the opportunity to claim their gift-giving budget as a tax deduction. In these hard economic times, this is a win-win situation for all parties involved. For each donation, businesses will receive enough Gift of Warmth cards to insert into holiday greeting cards for each colleague, client and vendor. Every Gift of Warmth card comes with an envelope and acknowledges the gift made in the recipient's name. Personal Gift of Warmth cards are also available for individuals who wish to send out cards to friends and family.
How does the North Penn United Way distribute funds donated to the Gift of Warmth program?
The North Penn United Way distributes the funds raised to several of our local partner agencies. Social workers from the agencies identify families in need who qualify to receive assistance. Last year, over $11,000 was given to local families in need through the Gift of Warmth program. Early last fall, a single parent of a child with special needs lost her job due to the depressed economy. Over the course of the previous year, the woman's child was hospitalized three times with double pneumonia. With the dangerously cold winter months approaching and a tight budget that was barely enough to cover necessities, the woman faced a future of unknowns. Using funds donated through the Gift of Warmth program, a local agency was able to assist the family with their energy costs, allowing them to have a safe, warm winter.
To learn more about the Gift of Warmth Program or to order Gift of Warmth cards, contact the North Penn United Way at (215) 855-3002. To make a donation, please click here:
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