Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday

At the beginning of this year, none of us at United Way were fully prepared for what was to come. And none of us know what the next year will bring.

We do know that faced with a once-in-a-generation challenge, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo stepped up. United Way staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and our entire community came together in an unprecedented way to help our neighbors who were most impacted by the pandemic and economic downturn get the relief and support they needed.

Take a look at yesterday’s post to learn how.

But there is so much more to do. Thousands in our community still struggle with unemployment, food insecurity, housing and health challenges. Many don’t know where their next meal is coming from, or how they will pay the rent or the bills. Even more are teetering on the edge without back-up savings. Kids and caretakers are challenged by an unconventional school year. Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are on the rise. anxiety and depression. Our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities continue to face racism, violence and experience inequitable outcomes. Many of the Americans who were already struggling before the pandemic—like ALICE households, BIPOC communities, LGBTQA+ individuals, and those with disabilities—were hit harder than the rest.

But there are plenty of ways – and reasons – to respond with hope.

“It’s been incredible to see the ways our community has come together in support of each other,” said Alyssa Stewart, VP of Strategy and Engagement for United Way. “In a year of change, loss, and grief, the spirit of caring and generosity that our community is known for has not wavered. I believe that love for each other and our community will see us through this crisis and help us build something better on the other side of it.”

Today, Giving Tuesday, join us in building a more resilient and equitable community, where everyone can live a healthy, thriving life. Thanks to a generous $2,500 match from Kellogg Company, your donation today will result in double the impact.

Help us build a better tomorrow.

Starting today.