United Way of Paulding County is gearing up for its 30th campaign year by hosting it’s annual kickoff event. Pumpkin Palooza will be held at the Paulding Nazarene Church on October 15th from 5:00–7:00 p.m. This event that is open to the public will have games and activities geared towards elementary children. The event will also house a free will donation dinner and our local partner organizations will share their resources and how they help the community. All proceeds will benefit United Way of Paulding County.
As the organization looks to the future, it is also taking a moment to reflect on its past. Established in 1992, for 30 years United Way of Paulding County has committed to support local organizations, build long-lasting relationships and fund important resources needed for the community. Through the years United Way of PC has helped establish new programs, form important connections and worked to build community involvement.
United Way of Paulding County’s 2021-2022 Impact
Community Impact Grants – United Way of Paulding Count was able to provide $24,500 in grants to 11 different local partner organizations in the 2022 fiscal year. Our community partners have helped 2,558 Paulding County Residents!
Giving Heart Scholarships – United Way of Paulding County was also able to give two $500 scholarships to local students: Malia Wittwer a 2022 Wayne Trace Graduate who is currently attending Miami University to study Biochemistry; and Nathan Dunstan, a 2022 Antwerp Graduate who is currently attending the University of Toledo for Chemical Engineering.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library – United Way of Paulding County has been the county’s affiliate for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program since 2016. Since its inception, 751 children have graduated from the program and a grand total 35,472 books have been given out in our county! This past year we had on average 615 children receiving a book every month. United Way of Paulding County was able to write a grant through the Paulding County Area Foundation to fund the program. The Paulding County Area Foundation has been a long time supporter of the program.
If you have a child newborn to age five please register them to receive a free book per month through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Backpack for Kids Program – At the beginning of the fiscal year, July of 2021, United Way began taking registrations for school supplies for children in need. Last year the organization provided 65 complete book bags to students in the county, along with some supplies for teachers who requested them like trapper keepers and poster board.
This fall, through donations from Kiwanis Club of Paulding County, several local churches and ministerial association’s and through a $500 grant through Paulding Putnam Round-Up Grant United Way of Paulding County nearly doubled its efforts providing 121 book bags full of supplies. United Way also partnered with PC Workshop’s Limitless store that provided a large amount of book bags through donations. Both organizations are excited to partner together in the future to make an even bigger impact going forward!
Community Involvement – United Way of Paulding County’s Executive Director, Lora Lyons, currently sits on a variety of boards and committees including: Antwerp Chamber of Commerce, Family and Children First Council, Habitat for Humanity – Treasurer, Kiwanis Club of Paulding County – President Elect, Northwest Ohio Homeless Committee, Northwest Ohio Mobility – Paulding County Committee, Paulding Chamber of Commerce, Paulding County Vision Board, Reimagining Rural Regions – Bowling Green State University’s Strategic Planning Committee, Village of Payne Event Committee
Through these various organizations, United Way stays connected with local residents, helps assist at local events and works to bring valuable resources to the community.
Caring Power – United Way of Paulding County would like to thank the community for its support over the last 30 years. The bonds and connections formed have been invaluable to the organization and the community. It is the mission of the United Way of Paulding County to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. United Way of Paulding County is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
