United Way of Miami-Dade brought together more than 200 volunteers committed to giving back to the community throughout service projects during National Volunteer Week.
The week kicked off with Leaders Day of Action at Belafonte TACOLCY, a United Way-funded agency and impact partner, where volunteer members from our giving communities went to work, providing a fresh coat of paint to several rooms at the center, bringing in new furniture, and beautifying the agency’s garden. Other service projects ranged from packing and distributing resource kits to connecting electronically with older adults.
These volunteers happily came together to create meaningful change and uplift our neighbors and advancing our community toward a brighter future following a year of forced-hiatus due to COVID-19. Several United Way-funded agency partners were the beneficiaries of our volunteers’ generosity. In total, 400 early education kits were distributed to centers participants of ReadingPals, United Way’s volunteer reader program; 200 hygiene kits were delivered to Lotus House, a women’s shelter; and 200 hurricane kits were given to Sant La Neighborhood Haitian Center. In addition, 100 families with children enrolled in our Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) program received $60-worth of nonperishable groceries.
“Strengthening our community through service is at the heart of United Way,” Camila Cote, United Way board member and chair of the engagement committee, said. “The selfless work of our volunteers this week and throughout the year touches the lives of so many families in countless ways. I am so proud to call myself a volunteer and welcome everyone to do the same through VolunteerMiami.”
National Volunteer Week culminated on VolunteerMiami Day, April 24, marking United Way’s 97th birthday, and was officially declared a day of service by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, representing District 5, on behalf of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
“This is what it means to be a volunteer, to come together to help others who are suffering and are in need,” Commissioner Higgins said.
Every year, United Way celebrates National Volunteer Week to recognize the impact our volunteers’ dedication and service has on our community and our neighbors.