The United Way of Washington County held a Care United donation drive during the month of August. The purpose was to collect new items to create personal care bags for children so that they can look and feel their best as they begin the new school year by providing items that some children may not have readily available to them at home. Community members, whether individuals or organizations, were able to support this Care Drive by purchasing items from an Amazon wish list. The Kid’s Care Bags contained new items such as body wash, a loofah, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, tissues, Bandaids, and Chapstick. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy supplied coupons for a Free Child’s Haircut, which can be redeemed by appointment. Chapman Corporation supported this outreach with a financial donation and brought together volunteers to assemble the items into 100 colorful drawstring bags that were to be distributed by the schools to students as needed.
The United Way of Washington County has organized this outreach event to help benefit children in six local elementary schools in Washington County. The goal of this drive is to not only provide these essential items for children but is also serves as an opportunity to provide information to families about the United Way’s 211 resource line, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for non-emergency, human service needs.
P. Ann Hrabik, Executive Director of the United Way of Washington County, expressed, “Many local families are struggling to makes ends meet and we wanted to help children feel confident as they return to school by providing these bags containing items to manage proper hygiene.”
In addition to this outreach drive, another one will be held next month. In October, a Care United donation drive will be held to collect personal hygiene items for women and children and will be distributed to community partners of United Way of Washington County.
This outreach effort is being supported by a grant from the WOMEN of Southwestern PA. WOMEN of Southwestern PA’s mission is to help less fortunate women and children in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The United Way of Washington County recognizes its partnership with WOMEN of Southwestern PA and is thankful for their support.
The mission of the United Way of Washington County is to unite people, organizations, and resources to improve lives in Washington County. It envisions a community where everyone achieves their human potential through education, financial stability, and health. For more information about the United Way of Washington County or to make a monetary donation online, please visit its website at http://www.unitedwaywashco.org.