jdavoll's blog

Our volunteer spotlight for the month of April will shine on Charlie Rogers, of Waterford. Charlie has been volunteering at the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank twice a week for the past six years.

He originally got involved after retiring, because he wanted to give back to the community. He enjoys being a part of the team that gets food to the community, as well as supporting the staff at the Food Bank.

At a recent event of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, President and CEO Virginia L. Mason asked everyone in the audience to inspire kindness and “pay it forward.” As added encouragement, she provided each person with a $5 bill and asked them to pass it onto someone in need. Several individuals shared their heartwarming stories back to United Way.

Many people volunteer because they say it makes them feel good. Well now there’s some evidence to show that it truly does improve people’s health and well-being to spend time giving back to a good cause.

UnitedHealth Group recently conducted a national study and found that the majority of participants reported feeling healthier after a volunteer experience. In addition to reports of improved self-esteem and sense of purpose in life:

Join us at Chili's in Montville on Wednesday, March 26 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Bring a group, have a great meal and support United Way's work to advance the common good at the same time!

For each coupon presented, United Way receives 10% back. We hope to see yout here!!!

This week, Matt McCormack and the team from QDiscovery in New London presented the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center with a check for $5,000.

Are you looking for a fun way to give back this holiday season? Consider participating in the Great Bike Build-off at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Thursday, December 12.

The guidelines are simple:

Yesterday, we welcomed area health and human service providers to United Way to learn about fuel banks and programs available to their clients. Case managers heard about TVCCA's CT Energy Assistance program and Operation Fuel, the two key heating assistance programs.

During Hunger Action Month in September, it was fitting to recognize Nancy Connell for volunteering at the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center for more than 100 hours. She is pictured in the photo with Nancy Rossi, Managing Executive at the Food Center (right), and Jennifer Blanco, the Food Center's Feeding Site Specialist (left), as they honor her as a Hunger Action Hero.

Do you dream in numbers? Do friends and family come to you for financial advice?

Then this is your invitation to serve as a volunteer on the United Way Financial Review Panel!