Category: United Way of Knox County

United Way of Knox County Hosts First Annual Day of Caring: A Day of Service and Community Building

The Morning Thing shares exciting news from the United Way of Knox County!

United Way of Knox County proudly celebrated its first annual Day of Caring, a remarkable day of community service and volunteerism that took place on Friday, September 13, 2024. This inaugural event brought together individuals and business volunteers from a wide range of organizations, including Kokosing Construction, Knox Community Hospital, Park National Bank, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Knox Public Health, the Winter Sanctuary, Hope Now Furniture Bank, Interchurch, Fredericktown Fire Department, and the American Red Cross.

Volunteers participated in a variety of impactful projects across Knox County, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the collective commitment to making a difference in the community.

Key activities included:

  • Free smoke alarm installation in homes across Fredericktown, in partnership with the American Red Cross and Fredericktown Fire Department.
  • Home construction alongside Habitat for Humanity to support families in need of affordable housing.
  • Renovation and construction work at Interchurch in Centerburg, providing much-needed improvements to their facility.
  • Service projects at local community organizations, including Salvation Army, Knox County Head Start, and The Freedom Center.

United Way is deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of the many volunteers who contributed their time and energy to make the Day of Caring a success. Their dedication is a testament to the strength of Knox County’s spirit of giving and service.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support for our first Day of Caring,” said United Way of Knox County Program Director Halle Krajenski. “The passion and enthusiasm of our volunteers made a tremendous impact in just one day, and we are excited to see how this event will continue to grow and strengthen our community in the years to come.”

The Day of Caring also served as an inspiring showcase of the community programs and initiatives made possible by generous United Way donations. Each project exemplified the meaningful, lasting impact that United Way-supported efforts have on the lives of Knox County residents.

As United Way kicks off their annual Charitable Campaign, Executive Director Katie Ellis shared her thoughts: “This day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a common cause. The projects completed today reflect the heart of our mission—to create real, lasting change. As we launch this year’s campaign, we are grateful for the volunteers, partner organizations, and donors who make it all possible. Together, we can continue building a network of social support for everyone in Knox County.”

For more information about United Way of Knox County and how you can get involved, visit www.uwayknox.org or contact liveunited@uwayknox.org.

Photos courtesy of Terry Thurston and United Way of Knox County

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The United Way of Knox County shares their 2023 Annual Report

The United Way of Knox County hosted their annual meeting and donor recognition lunch on March 7th.
They shared highlights from the 2023 Campaign and 2023 Annual Report.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lori Jones Perkins, Executive Director.
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Lori shared some outstanding stats:
– Only 1.06% of pledges are unpaid (that return is amazing)
– 85% of donations go directly to support their partner agencies
– Less than 15% is used for administrative costs

She also talked about the process of how organizations apply to become a partner agency and receive funds from the United Way. They have a Community Impact Panel that listens to the presentations and gives scores and comments on each organization. These reports go to a Community Investment Committee that makes allocation recommendations based on the reports from the Community Impact Panel. Then the full United Way board votes for the final allocations.

Lori also talked about the accountability of the United Way.
The annual report for 2023 is available to pick up at the office. It will be shared on the website soon – uwayknox.org
She talks about how every dollar matters and makes a difference.
Lori mentions how we will see the United Way out more in the community in 2024!

Marcy also talked with Halle Krajenski, Program Director for the United Way
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Marcy and Halle talk about the three pillars for United Way funding:
Health: In 2023 United Way invested $316,930 in 13 Health Programs with 9 different partner agencies.
Education: In 2023 United Way invested $155,722 in 8 Education Programs with 7 different Partner Agencies
Financial Stability: In 2023 United Way invested $201,300 in Financial Stability Programs with 7 Partner Agencies

Halle also shared an exciting report about other United Way projects:

  • The Imagination Library was started by Dolly Parton, to give children reading and literacy skills. We are at 61% rate of Knox County children participating in the program. In 2023, 27,038 books were delivered in 2023.
  • Crunch Out Knox County – 552 4th graders were able to engage in a 6-week program learning about making healthy choices for life.
  • There are 3 after-school programs at East, Dan Emmett, and Pleasant Street Elementary schools providing homework help and enrichment activities
  • Free Tax Preparation Assistance – United Way completed 551 returns for 2023

Stay connected at the website – uwayknox.org (it is in the midst of changes)
Social Media – United Way of Knox County
Office – 305 East High St. in Mount Vernon

You can give on the website or mail a check to the office.
Scroll down to see some exciting numbers shared in the 2023 Annual Report.

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