Collection Drives Make Us Hopeful
While United Way of Southern Maine works to address the root causes of complex challenges holding people back, our organization also addresses immediate needs because vulnerable individuals cannot find the stability they need to thrive if they do not have their essential needs met.
Collection drives are just one of the many ways our community takes action to support those who need a little extra support. Support like healthy food, diapers, school supplies, or winter gear are essential steppingstones to a thriving future. Here are a few examples of how our community has brought support, warmth, and hope to so many across Southern Maine.
Hope by the Numbers
1,600 Backpacks: Tools for School
Throughout the year, you help provide the resources and opportunities to help give our kids a strong start. When students made the transition back to in-person learning this fall, the generosity didn’t stop. Thanks to L.L.Bean, Staples Connect, and Tom’s of Maine, we filled 1,600 backpacks with Tools for School (school supplies and hygiene products) for students in York and Cumberland Counties.
20,000+ Meals: Hopeful Food Drive
Hunger and food insecurity have long been a pressing issue in Southern Maine and the impacts of COVID-19 have only exacerbated it. In Southern Maine alone, 7,500 households depend on food pantries every month. To ensure pantries are stocked, this fall individuals and organizations, including CCB, Inc., Hannaford, Horizon Solutions, L.L.Bean, MaineHealth, RTS Packaging, WEX, Inc., Zachau Construction, and so many more donated over 20,000 meals and over 400 pounds of diapers, toilet paper, and other essentials.
15,000+ Diapers: Drive-Thru Diaper Drive
Diapers can cost as much as $100 a month and are not covered by programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) or Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), making it difficult for some families to purchase on their own. A diaper bank is a great resource, and we are so grateful for those who helped stock shelves with 15,000 diapers and 17,000 wipes.
850+ Winter Items: Winter Gear Drives
As we gear up for colder temperatures, our Women United’s Winter Gear Drive raised over $4,307 to ensure each Project WIN child would have a hat, scarf, mittens, boots, and warm coat. Additionally, through our partnerships across Southern Maine, we are distributing 500 jackets and 300 vests, supplied by a local organization. Every donation makes a difference and helps to ensure our neighbors stay safe and warm this season.
We are Hopeful
Whether it’s through donating time, treasure, or other resources, we are so grateful for the ways our community has turned hopeful into action. Together we are building a better Southern Maine where kids have a strong start, neighbors thrive – not just survive, and we all live longer, better. You make us Hopeful for Southern Maine.
Take Action Now
- Year-end giving – Make a gift to support your United Southern Maine community.
- #ShareYourHopeful – Share your hopeful aspirations for your community and pledge to take action!
