Have you thought about volunteering? Well, summer is about over, kids are back in school, so now’s a good time to get into the volunteer spirit! Not only that, United Way has some fun volunteer projects coming up.

On September 10, United Way is hosting “Unite: Day of Action” where hundreds of volunteers will be uniting at locations around the valley. Bring your family out to assemble WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks, participate in an elementary school cafeteria mural project, plant a fall garden at a community center, spruce up a nurse’s office, plus so much more!

By participating in “Unite: Day of Action”, you’ll be part of United Way’s mission to break the cycle of homelessness, hunger, lack of quality education, and financial insecurity.

Volunteers for “Unite: Day of Action” will fan out across Phoenix, Guadalupe, and Maryvale. The goal is to give volunteers a deeper understanding of the communities we work with.

At Home Activities

If you’re not able to get out to Day of Action, there are plenty of activities you can get the whole family involved with from home.

• Teacher Supply Kits: Many teachers have to spend their own money on school supplies. On average, public school teachers spend an average of $500 out-of-pocket on students. By donating items such as paper, pencils, dry erase markers and hand sanitizer, you’ll be helping support student success.
• Books-In-A-Bag: This fun volunteer project builds home libraries for kids! You start-off with a paper lunch bag, decorate it, and fill the bag with a child friendly book and reading tips for parents.
• Encouragement Cards: “Keep it Up”, “You’re the Best”, “Have a Fantastic Day”. These are words of inspiration students will find on encouragement cards tucked inside their WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks. Many kids receiving these cards suffer from chronic hunger. This is another fun project to do with your kids using construction paper, colored pencils, and crayons.

Completed Book-In-A-Bags and Encouragement Cards can be dropped off at Valley of the Sun United Way, 3200 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 375, Hours 8am-5pm.