How to Live United During the Holiday Season

1. GIVE.
Giving has always been at the heart of the season. Take the time today to make a donation to the United Way of Volusia-Flagler to help support our local community. You can also make a donation in someone's name. Donate online. This year we are seeing alarming increases in the need. Thanks to all of those who have the courage and conviction to donate during these trying times.

2. Shop!
You have to do it anyways, why not make sure that your shopping helps to change lives?

4. Donate Food.
Dig into those cupboards! Many of our food banks are seeing record number of requests this year. Find out how you can help through the Live United Community Food Drive.

5. Organize a Food Drive.
Why stop at just digging in your cupboards? Organize a food drive amongst your friends, family, church or co-workers!

6. Donate Last Winter's Coat.
Drop off your old coat at Burlington's Coat Factory in Daytona Beach and they'll make sure that it gets to those who need it over at the STAR Center for homeless families this winter. The coat drive runs from 11/24 - 1/16. Find out more.

7. Donate Other Items.
Collect other items to help those in need! Several of our local agencies are in desperate need of items. Here are just a few! To find out more about any of these opportunities, drop off locations and more please contact the Volunteer Center at 386-253-0563 ext 239 or lzublionis@unitedwayvfc.org - Groups, families and businesses are encouraged to hold item drives and help support these organizations.

Jewish Federation of Volusia-Flagler: Personal Item Drive

So many of our clients (over 380 families a month) who are coming for assistance, tell us that they just cannot afford to purchase toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. It is important to be clean, especially when you are looking for work. These essential items cannot be used with food stamps. We are spending so much on food that we cannot afford to purchase these items.

Drive to be arranged around your schedule

Collect toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc..

Agency to supply flyers regarding program if requested.

All ages welcome

Halifax Urban Ministries: Baby Item Drive

On your schedule

Collect diapers (size 3 and up) and wipes to help local moms and babies in need.

Agency willing to pick up donations

All ages welcome

8. Advocate.

Its as simple as telling your friends and family about the United Way and the work that we are doing to help change lives in our community. Share with them stories of your activities with the United Way during a holiday meal or while out shopping for that perfect gift.
Encourage them to get involved. Show your friends that you Live United by adding us to your Facebook or joining our Cause.

Click to share this page with your friends via MySpace, Email, Digg and more.

9. Help Them Get Connected

Many of us know of people who could really use a little help but don't know how to get them the help that they need. Start by pointing them in the right direction. Tell them to call First Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1. They will get connected to a certified Information and Referral Specialist who can help to connect them to services offered right in our community. Find our more about 2-1-1.

10. Count Your Blessings and Be Thankful

We know that for many of us this may be a tougher holiday season with belts tightened by an uncertain economy. With that in mind, take the time to count your blessings and share the warmth of the holiday season with those around you. Remember, a smile and a thank you can warm the heart on any day.

11. Design Your Own Project

Do you see a need in our community and a way to help give people the opportunities for a better life? Work with one of our Partner Agencies or the Volunteer Center to help design a project that helps you to help others.

12. Share How You Live United!

Make a video for YouTube, take pictures and put together a slideshow, write a narrative about what you do to Live United during the Holiday Season. Send your story, video, pictures or more to celkins@unitedwayvfc.org and we may use your story online or in our newsletter!

Make sure that you include your children and family in all of the ways that you Live United and help to teach the next generation the importance of coming together and living united.