Volunteers LIVE UNITED

Volunteering in a Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofits across the country saw an increase in need for services, funding, and volunteers. While closures and social distancing protocols disrupted some volunteer opportunities, others were able to adapt and continue — and new ways to serve emerged. Neighbors on the Lower Shore still showed up to assist their community through UWLES affinity groups and with local nonprofits through the Get Connected Volunteer Center. Learn more at ShoreGetConnected.org. GET CONNECTED

VOLUNTEER CENTER

Powered By: 1,031 Total Volunteers 315 Total Projects 5,539 Total Volunteer Hours Logged 24,234 Total Neighbors Impacted

Our Student United Way continued to come together both virtually and in person during the 2020-2021 year. Students engaged in SUW create change and impact through volunteerism, engagement, advocacy and FUNdraising. While the 2020-2021 student year was heavily impacted by COVID, SUW participated in several community service projects and fundraising events.

During a year when many families with children saw even greater needs, the Emerging Leaders continued their focus on youth and families in our community. They provided Thanksgiving meal baskets for 21 local families in partnership with TidalHealth’s nursing staff, and together with Women United, brought holiday hope, breakfast baskets and gifts to 75 neighbors, easing the financial burden and stress the holidays can bring. They capped it off with a fun networking and fundraising evening with local chambers’ young professionals at a Delmarva Shorebirds game.

Women United continued to fulfill their mission of supporting women and children, though like so many others, most was done virtually. Throughout the year, WU hosted 5 Community & Conversation gatherings via Zoom, assembled 500 Literacy Kits for the four counties’ Judy Centers, and worked alongside Emerging Leaders to create a special Holiday season for local families. Although we were not able to meet in person to continue our Read To Succeed program, many of our volunteers were able to read with students via zoom. Even the annual fundraiser, Power of the Purse, went virtual with an online auction.

The Community Impact Committee dedicated nearly 800 hours of volunteer service alongside staff to do the work of allocating 2022 funding to our partner agencies. Site visits were conducted virtually again this year—and CIC members and agency staff alike were experienced pros this time around! Two days were set aside for the CIC to come together—in person—to make critical funding decisions. Investing donor dollars in the most impactful way is paramount and CIC volunteers devote their time, energy, and knowledge to ensure this outcome. MAC, Inc. generously provided the hospitality of their meeting space and catering services.