A pilot effort is connecting United Way with the faith-based community to make a positive impact.

“Many people who engage with United Way are part of the faith community, so it makes sense to look at ways to build on that partnership and transform lives,” said James Liggins, United Way BCKR board member and co-chair of this year’s annual campaign.

Liggins proposed the joint outreach, called #FaithfullyUnited, as a pilot in Kalamazoo this fall. United Way BCKR reached out to houses of worship and diverse religious institutions, inviting them to take part in at least one of three activities: join a volunteer food-packing activity on Nov. 29 aimed at helping food-insecure families; make a financial gift or take up a special collection; or participate in an Impact Tour of United Way partner programs.

Liggins hopes to see #FaithfullyUnited grow into a region-wide partnership in the future.

“Regardless of background, beliefs and faith traditions, we share a passion to help those in need,” Liggins explained. “#FaithfullyUnited is one way we can tackle those needs together.”

The Nov. 29 food packing event takes place at Stones Church, 1225 W. Paterson St., 1-3 p.m., in Kalamazoo. To register your faith-based group, or to register individually, click here. To sign on for an Impact Tour, click here. Both events are open to anyone in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek region.