News
April 9, 2025
It’s time to recognize those outstanding individuals who make all the difference when it comes to helping local non-profits assist those in a crisis.
The Catawba County United Way is planning to host the annual Giving from the Heart (GFH) Volunteer Awards on June 11 to help recognize these invaluable individuals.
One nonprofit agency/organization may submit a maximum of five nominations in each category: adult individual, youth…
April 2, 2025
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) recently received the Community Resiliency: Disaster Relief and Recovery Award during the United Way of North Carolina’s Spirit of NC presentations, held in Gastonia.
The CCUW’s recognition was based off the role it played during the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene last year. Acting as a donation and supply…
From helping collect food, to sorting and preparing donated clothing, to manning an information desk, to showing up at a disaster ready to help, to sharing a smile with someone facing a crisis, Catawba County nonprofits would struggle to help others without their volunteers.
More than 28 percent of Americans—more than 75.7 million people—formally volunteered for an organization between September 2022 and 2023. In total, these volunteers…
March 10, 2025
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner talks about the new United Way tool to track poverty levels called ALICE - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for their county. Data is drawn from the American Community Survey (ACS) through the U.S. Census…
Feb. 21, 2025
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
What is the value of a hot dog?
Is it a quick snack?
Is it the start to a lunch break?
Or is it a symbol of hope?
If you’re standing outside the Exodus Dawgs 4 A Cause food truck, it’s definitely hope.
Part of the Exodus Homes vocational training program, Dawgs 4 A Cause offers the agency’s residents another opportunity for work experience – individuals transitioning back into society…
Feb. 11, 2025
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the body tissue, while hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature, according to the National Weather Service.
For the last few weeks, these have been significant dangers to all the unsheltered homeless living in Catawba County.
Several local nonprofits have been at the forefront of providing warming stations and transportation for those…
Feb. 10, 2024
When you find yourself behind on a rent payment; when you’re seeking caregiving assistance; when your home has been destroyed by a natural disaster -- Helps starts here with NC 211.
On Feb. 11, NC 211 joins United Way organizations and 211 call centers across the country to celebrate National 211 Day to highlight this critical service and give thanks to the many NC 211 staff members who work tirelessly to provide excellent…
Feb. 3, 2025
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
On Monday, Jan. 27, Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner was notified that the Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross would be setting up an emergency shelter for those who were displaced by a fire that night at Hickory Gardens senior living Apartments.
The shelter was hosted at Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory and housed up to 11 of the 30-plus…
Jan. 28, 2025
The Catawba County United Way is excited to welcome Chicken Salad Chick in Hickory (972 2nd St NE) to the CCUW’s Small Businesses Love Big initiative.
This is an opportunity for small companies in Catawba County (50 employees or less) to invest back into their communities by supporting local non-profit programs.
Each participating SBLB company contributes $365 a year, which will be used to fund this new Catawba County United…
Jan. 27, 2025
The Catawba County Youth Council is accepting Requests for Funding Proposals (RFPs) targeted to address the impact areas of health and education as they relate to the needs and wellbeing of children and youth in our community.
Applications will open on the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) website Feb. 7 (see link below).
The Youth Council partners with the CCUW in this annual community investment process. The RFP…