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As a young boy growing up in Chicago, Jim Sliwicki has fond memories of accompanying his mom as she went door to door collecting donations for the March of Dimes, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other charitable organizations.

“I like seeing young people exposed to volunteer work and getting the importance of it,” says Jim, who, like his mother before him, introduced his son to helping others as a young boy. “The world isn’t always fair, and it’s nice to see kids can understand that at an early age.”

At Valley of the Sun United Way, our Generation United members enjoy a little friendly competition. That’s why they created Win United, an annual scavenger hunt where you can challenge your friends and coworkers to win awesome prizes and share the love on Instagram. The best part, you’ll have fun while helping kids and families right here in our community.

For many children in our community, breakfast is much more than a morning meal; it’s a vital pathway to successful learning, good health and a sense of security. “We aren’t just feeding hungry children,” says Jayson Matthews, Director of Ending Hunger at Valley of the Sun United Way. “We’re making that meal the best part of their day by providing nutritious, good-tasting food in a safe, happy, non-stressful environment in the presence of their friends and a caring adult.”

“Homelessness is a condition, not an identity.” That is the understanding that Barb Perry says inspired her to write the poem, I Am Sam.

“Experiencing homelessness should never define or place a value on any individual,” says Barb, Director of Annual Workforce Giving at Valley of the Sun United Way. “We are all human. We all strive to survive.”

Woodson spoke at his middle school alma mater as part of Extra Mile For Teachers, a program sponsored by the National College Football Playoff Foundation, the Arizona Organizing Committee and Valley of the Sun United Way. The initiative supports public school teachers by funding classroom projects, as well as providing professional development and leadership training.

Here’s a look inside Ms. McNabb’s classroom during the big moment!

Glad You’re on our Team – Thanks for being a part of United Way day!

Valley of the Sun United Way has trained hundreds of Financial Coaches who helped more than 3,200 families in the last year to increase their income and savings, decrease debt and improve their credit score. So why is financial security important to you and the whole community? Get answers from our financial Coaching Expert Cherylyn Strong, Community Impact Manager at Valley of the Sun United Way.