This year the Rotary District 6540 hosted a stuffed animal and book drive for both the I Need a Hug and Reading Buddies Programs. The effort generated over 400 stuffed animals and more than 100 children’s books that will be donated to schools within Northwest Indiana. Each year the District Rotary Conference works to engage their participants within service projects. During the Rotary District’s book and stuffed animal drive in 2013 each chapter was invited to host a drive among members before the conference and all conference attendees were encouraged to bring a stuffed animal and book to the event.

I Need a Hug is currently in 124 classrooms throughout Northwest Indiana and provides a way for counselors and teachers to comfort children in crisis. Reading Buddies is part of the I Need a Hug program and provides 1st and 2ndgraders with a “buddy” that they can read aloud to each day for fifteen minutes. The children are tested at the beginning of the year prior to the introduction of the “reading buddy” and then again at the end of the year.

If your business, church, or organization would like to LIVE UNITED by hosting a drive for the I Need a Hug program please contact Chris in Lake County at (219) 923-2302 ext.311 or Mackenna in Porter County at (219) 464-3583.

“This material is based upon work supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service under AmeriCorps Grant No. 09ACHIN0010003.   Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, the Corporation or the AmeriCorps program.”
 

Will your business, church, or group follow their lead and host a drive? Complete this form or contact your local United Way so we can provide you with tools for a successful I Need a Hug drive.

Would you like to help prepare these stuffed animals to be used in the program? Find out more about volunteering to “bag and tag!”

Lake Area United Way launched it’s first-ever “Everyday Community Heroes” video contest on November 12, 2012. The contest was designed to be a fun way to engage the community in celebrating all the many great volunteers who selflessly give of their time, talent and treasure to make a difference in people’s lives.

Contest participants were asked to nominate someone they know who makes a difference in the lives of Northwest Indiana residents in United Way’s three community impact areas: Education, Income/Financial Stability and Health. Video nominations were limited to 90 seconds or less.

A Blue ribbon panel of judges from Lake Area United Way’s Board of Trustees determined the winning entries, also considering public votes.

Overall, 86 video nominations were entered into Lake Area United Way’s “Everyday Community Heroes” video contest and received over 13,000 votes from the general public. Contest winners were announced during a press conference on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Visit  www.lauwheroes.org to view the videos.

YOU Can LIVE UNITED by Volunteering During

National Volunteer Week, April 21-27.

The United Way Regional Volunteer Center (UWRVC) invites all residents of Northwest Indiana to celebrate National Volunteer Week by lending a hand at a local non-profit.

Use this website to find a volunteer opportunity near you. Click on the Volunteer button to search based on your zip code or your interest in a particular issue. Currently there are 205 opportunities posted by 129 various non-profits. You can also find opportunities that are grouped together as “Family Friendly”, “Teens are Welcome”, or projects that can be “Done in a Day”. There is truly something for everyone. You can also call your local United Way and a Volunteer Coordinator will assist you.

Whether you have never volunteered before or just looking to find a new place to volunteer, take advantage of National Volunteer Week, April 21-27^th and make a difference in your community!

Contact us: Lake Area United Way at (219) 923-2302 ext.311,  United Way of Porter County at (219) 464-3583, ext.129, or Untied Way of LaPorte County (219) 210-3534.

Gracie understands the power of a stuffed animal. To a child dealing with hard situations, a stuffed animal is a friend that never leaves your side, never misunderstands you and always make you feel better. It was not too long ago that Gracie was dealing with some difficult situations of her own that she found comfort and happiness in her Build-A-Bears. Each one, with their own names and favorite ice cream flavors, helped her through. Recognizing that there are so many other kids who need support at times, Gracie decided to donate her Build-A-Bears to the United Way I Need a Hug/Reading Buddies program!

My Build-A-Bears helped me through all the times I was very sad and they helped me get happier. I want to give them to kids through the United Way so they can be happy, they can read to them and have fun with them.

Gracie’s stuffed animals, as well as the stuffed animals from all of our drive hosts, offer companionship and over the course of a school year help students become better readers. Won’t you follow her lead?

Complete this form or contact your local United Way so we can provide you with tools for a successful I Need a Hug drive.

Beth Szamatowicz, Director of Public Relations and Volunteer Services at Campagna Academy shared, “at Campagna our children benefit so much from the donations and generosity of others that we wanted to give back as an agency to the community. We were so excited that our drive brought in so many donations! We know they will be put to great use in local classrooms and for children in crisis.”

Will your business, church, or group follow their lead and host a drive? Complete this form or contact your local United Way so we can provide you with tools for a successful I Need a Hug drive.

Would you like to help prepare these stuffed animals to be used in the program? Find out more about volunteering to “bag and tag!”

These stuffed animals will be placed in children’s laps as a Reading Buddy to read aloud to each day and/or used by counselors as counseling tools for children in crisis. Will your business, church, or group follow their lead and host a drive? Complete this form or contact your local United Way so we can provide you with tools for a successful I Need a Hug drive.

Would you like to help prepare these stuffed animals to be used in the program? Find out more about volunteering to “bag and tag!”

4th Annual Volunteer Fair

Link to Event Flyer

Looking to match your interests with community needs? You can visit with the United Way Regional Volunteer Center and 60+ nonprofit groups from the area to find the right fit. We look forward to meeting you and getting you started with your volunteering goals!

Why Volunteer?
√ Help Others
√ Learn New Skills
√ Build Resume Experience

There is NO CHARGE for admission, and everyone is welcome. So, bring your friends, family and neighbors, too. Everyone can help!!! Teens – Groups – Clubs – Families
Find out more at www.Spring-into-Action.org.

These stuffed animals will be placed in children’s laps as a Reading Buddy to read aloud to each day and/or used by counselors as counseling tools for children in crisis. Will your business, church, or group follow their lead and host a drive? Complete this form or contact your local United Way so we can provide you with tools for a successful I Need a Hug drive.

Would you like to help prepare these stuffed animals to be used in the program? Find out more about volunteering to “bag and tag!”