United Way for Greater Austin believes that anyone, regardless of their ability to make a financial contribution, can engage in philanthropy.
Volunteering one’s time is a valuable way to make a positive impact and invest in the community.
As part of our annual participation in Make a Difference Day, one of the largest national days of community service, our staff members organized projects that allowed others to donate their time and talents in order to make local schools greater.
On Friday, October 24, Hands On Central Texas coordinated a volunteer project for Mendez Middle School students to clean up litter on campus. Approximately 60 students participated in the project and were supported by adult volunteers through our Young Leaders Society.
Ricoh kicked off its United Way for Greater Austin employee campaign by volunteering. Employees helped prepare Webb Middle School’s gardens for future outdoor classroom instruction. Webb’s Volunteer Project Leaders led the volunteers in gardening, and spoke about their campus and future project plans for the school and neighborhood.
A group of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group employees also volunteered their time in the St. John’s neighborhood, where Webb is located, by touching up the Born Learning Trail at J.J. Pickle Elementary. Volunteers cleaned up the area and painted shapes, numbers and letters that coordinate with activity signs for children.
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group employees also wrote inspirational letters to middle school students at our three Target Graduation middle schools (Webb, Decker, Mendez) and made bookmarks to accompany board books from recent book drives.
Decker Middle School hosted Fright Night, one of the largest and most popular events of the year for the school! Students enjoyed themed performances by student groups, concessions, and a spooky haunted house. Volunteers from United Way’s Young Leader Society, along with community volunteers, helped build the haunted house and facilitate the event.
Proceeds from Fright Night will help fund the AVID college readiness program at Decker. In addition to regular classroom instruction, AVID students take field trips to university campuses and work places to prepare for success in college and beyond.