United Way’s Big Give Delivers For Kids
August 16, 2022 at 1:46 a.m.
United Way’s Big Give Delivers For Kids
By Staff Report-
Driven by more than 40 companies, churches and individuals, the United Way initiative will produce over 100 bags of school supplies to all 20 elementary schools in the area. United Way is committed to making sure every student begins school ready for success, according to a news release from United Way.
“The Big Give levels the playing field for all children,” says Tammy Keirn, chair of the United Way Board of Directors. “The first day of school should be full of joy and excitement. Our donors work hard to make sure it is.”
The project enables volunteers to make a real connection with a child. Through a grant from the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, United Way secured drawstring bags. Each bag was tagged with a supply list for a grade-level. Volunteers got a chance to pick just the right items to fill the bag, often putting in more supplies in than are required. The bags are then delivered directly to the schools.
“United Way trusts our school partners with Big Give,” said Darren Bickel, United Way president. “Schools know their families. The bags are put in the hands of principals, teachers and guidance counselors – the wisest people I know when it comes to meeting the needs of students.”
Each school will distribute the bags in their own fashion, making sure no child has the awkward moment of being unprepared for their first day of school. Big Give began in 2018 and has collected thousands of items for children.
United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties formed in 2021 when the two organizations came together to better meet area challenges. United Way has a strong focus on children, particularly birth to sixth grade, helping them overcome challenges and succeed in life, the news release states.
Driven by more than 40 companies, churches and individuals, the United Way initiative will produce over 100 bags of school supplies to all 20 elementary schools in the area. United Way is committed to making sure every student begins school ready for success, according to a news release from United Way.
“The Big Give levels the playing field for all children,” says Tammy Keirn, chair of the United Way Board of Directors. “The first day of school should be full of joy and excitement. Our donors work hard to make sure it is.”
The project enables volunteers to make a real connection with a child. Through a grant from the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, United Way secured drawstring bags. Each bag was tagged with a supply list for a grade-level. Volunteers got a chance to pick just the right items to fill the bag, often putting in more supplies in than are required. The bags are then delivered directly to the schools.
“United Way trusts our school partners with Big Give,” said Darren Bickel, United Way president. “Schools know their families. The bags are put in the hands of principals, teachers and guidance counselors – the wisest people I know when it comes to meeting the needs of students.”
Each school will distribute the bags in their own fashion, making sure no child has the awkward moment of being unprepared for their first day of school. Big Give began in 2018 and has collected thousands of items for children.
United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties formed in 2021 when the two organizations came together to better meet area challenges. United Way has a strong focus on children, particularly birth to sixth grade, helping them overcome challenges and succeed in life, the news release states.
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