Summer 2023
United Way Feeds Youth!
United Way of Mahaska County helps feed hundreds of individuals and families every year in Mahaska County. Volunteers help prepare and hand out food weekly during the summer months to kids ages 1-18 in the Oskaloosa School District through the Summer Lunch Program. During the school year, the Take Along Weekend Food Program feeds food-insecure students in Eddyville Elementary School, Fremont Elementary School, Oskaloosa Elementary School, and Oskaloosa Middle School who would be without food on the weekends if they weren’t enrolled in this program. United Way of Mahaska County also partners with the Ecumenical Food Cupboard to ensure all Mahaska County residents have access to the food pantry once a month.
These programs all work because of people like you. Not only does your donation make a huge difference by continuing to support the vital work these programs do to feed residents of Mahaska County, but the volunteer efforts are priceless. None of these programs work without your help. Currently we are looking for help with the Take Along Weekend Food Program (Take Along). We need Site Managers for the Fremont Elementary Site, and the Oskaloosa Middle School Site. Contact Michella (michella@uwmahaska.org or 641-673-6043) to find out the time commitment an duties. We also need drivers for the Take Along Program. It takes less than an hour and you can sign up for days that fit into your schedule. Contact Paige (paige@uwmahaska.org or 641-673-6043) for more information. We love seeing everyone show up to Live United!
A Note from the Director
It’s summer! Most people claim that this is their favorite season. I am not one of them. I hate the humidity and the hot weather. However, I do like the freedom that comes with summer, the long days, having less of a routine, and being able to eat outside. Summer also brings more opportunities to be outdoors and be involved in the community.
What are you going to do this summer? I think of seasonal change as a time to reset and dream about what I want for the future. I do this both in my personal life and professionally at United Way. I ponder, “who can we partner with this season?” I dream of how United Way can reach more people in our community and have the most impact. No matter the size of my dreams, I do my best to make them a reality; either through goal-setting or planning.
As I reflect on our current goals, I realize the importance of community cooperation. Our combined efforts are greater than the sum of their parts. It’s plain to see how much more we can do together than apart.
That is where you, yes YOU, come in. You are a part of the TEAM that we need at United Way. You are whom the comm-YOU-nity needs. Thank you for stepping up by volunteering and donating when needed. If you are still hanging out in the background and watching what is happening, I completely understand. I have been there before. But take a moment and consider taking the steps to be a part of this dream. There is room for you and we want to hear your ideas.
Sometimes we need something other than work and home life to be fulfilled. For many people that could be things like hiking or church or baking. Maybe for you it’s volunteering that would help you feel fulfilled or as I like to say “fill your bucket.” Maybe donating to the Back to School Fair could fill your bucket. Maybe volunteering at Summer Lunch sites around town will do the trick. Nothing makes me feel more connected to the community than the Summer Lunch program. You get to see so many people and make so many friends with your fellow volunteers. Come see us and join in on the fun! I hope you choose to join me in showing others how to LIVE UNITED!
Warmly, Michella
Thank you Mandy
After years of dedication and service to our Take Along Weekend Food Program, it is time for a well deserved break for one of our Take Along Coordinators, Mandy Hafner. Mandy has volunteered and coordinated this program for 3 years. For years Mandy has strived to ensure no child goes hungry throughout multiple school districts in Mahaska County. As she steps down from her position as coordinator for the Fremont Community Schools, we want to thank Mandy for her years of service to the Take Along Weekend Food Program and United Way of Mahaska County. Thank you for showing us all what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Carly
Our William Penn University intern, Carly Still, presented her practicum presentation on United Way of Mahaska County last April. She did an amazing job and graduated May 2023 with a double major in Phycology and Human Services. We are so excited to see where your future takes you!
Scholarship
Congratulations to our United Way Youth Leadership Scholarship recipient, Elliot Nelson from the Oskaloosa School District! Elliot went above and beyond in volunteering for his community with over 188 volunteer hours!
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
United Way hosted another successful Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on April 25th at the Penn Central Mall. We were thrilled to host this event to say “Thank You” to all our amazing volunteers and their dedicated work to the community the past year. A few of our volunteers also received some well deserved awards.
Eddie Pierson was recognized as our Most Dedicated Volunteer. Eddie has been involved with many of our United Way programs and is a strong advocate for addressing child hunger in the community.
Cassie Veldhuizen was awarded our Jack of All Trades Award. This award went to Cassie for her ability to conquer anything we put in front of her. Cassie steps up to any and all challenges. True to her volunteer spirit, she was unable to attend our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner because she was coaching her son’s baseball team!
Lou Perez was recognized as our volunteer with the Biggest Heart. Lou has shown immense commitment to every United Way program. She has always been a phone call away and ready to serve her community in anyway she can. Lou shows everyone how much she cares for Mahaska County and the people that live here, no matter their age, background, or status.
Back to School Fair
United Way hosted another successful Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on April 25th at the Penn Central Mall. We were thrilled to host this event to say “Thank You” to all our amazing volunteers and their dedicated work to the community the past year. A few of our volunteers also received some well deserved awards.
Eddie Pierson was recognized as our Most Dedicated Volunteer. Eddie has been involved with many of our United Way programs and is a strong advocate for addressing child hunger in the community.
Cassie Veldhuizen was awarded our Jack of All Trades Award. This award went to Cassie for her ability to conquer anything we put in front of her. Cassie steps up to any and all challenges. True to her volunteer spirit, she was unable to attend our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner because she was coaching her son’s baseball team!
Lou Perez was recognized as our volunteer with the Biggest Heart. Lou has shown immense commitment to every United Way program. She has always been a phone call away and ready to serve her community in anyway she can. Lou shows everyone how much she cares for Mahaska County and the people that live here, no matter their age, background, or status.
Save the Date!
On September 23, 2023, we will be hosting our 2nd Annual Bingo Ball! Doors open at 5:00 pm and Bingo will start at 5:45 pm in the Penn Central Mall Center Court. Packed into this event we’ve got BINGO, prizes, hors-d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction, and fun for the whole family ~ all in one place!
The funds raised at this event will allow United Way of Mahaska County to continue our focus in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. Any and all donations are accepted and appreciated.
We hope to see you at this event and hear you shout BINGO!
Mark Your Calendar
Day of Caring – September 7, 2023
Day of Caring is an annual event which brings volunteers from across the community together for one day of collective, meaningful impact. Volunteers spend time landscaping, painting, building, and doing repairs throughout the community. Be on the look out for volunteer registrations and the project request form!
