Charlie is a dedicated supporter of United Way who believes strongly in the value of serving his community. We caught up with him to ask about his volunteer experiences and what motivates him to give back.
Hi! Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Charlie Witt, and I got involved with United Way over 30 years ago by being a campaign co-chairman at Electric Boat. I run the campaign on second shift.
What kind of volunteering do you do at United Way?
I volunteer at the United Way doing the Allocations process, most recently as one of the co-chairs of the panel. I also do the food bank inspections for the Gemma Moran Food Center, and anything else the staff asks me to do, whether it’s a quick Day of Caring, or anything else, is always pretty much a good thing with me. The allocations process is very special to me because of, myself being one of the people running the campaign at Electric Boat, we always get the question ‘Where does the money go?’ and by doing the allocations process I’m able to go back and actually tell them how we do it, where the money goes, and whether a charity’s living up to their potential or not.
What is your favorite memory of volunteering with United Way?
I was very fortunate to be part of a team of about 30 people from Electric Boat that went and started the first Gemma Moran Food Center. We went to Uncas on the Thames in Norwich and refurbished the building so the area could see their first major food bank.
What motivates you to give back?
I believe it was my upbringing. My parents always gave back, my father was involved in politics- it just taught me that there’s more to life than being greedy, so you gotta give back.
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut?
If anybody was interested in volunteering at the United Way, I would tell them that the people here are the most dedicated people I’ve ever met, they work all kinds of strange hours to provide for the needy in this area, or people who are just in that short-term, who need a little bit of help. And it’s a good, fulfilling-makes you feel good to do it, and I would welcome anybody who would want to come.
What does Live United mean to you?
I try to do whatever I can for this organization, and for my community, and for my fellow workers.
