The Impact of Your Gift on ALICE
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director - United Way of Charlotte County
Moving forward into the holiday season, I am reminded of the joy I feel seeing neighbors helping neighbors year-round. At United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC), we are blessed to witness first-hand the acts of kindness and service transforming our communities daily. The generosity of volunteers and donors makes achieving the UWCC mission possible. It is when you open your hearts to give back that the light of hope shines brightest in our neighborhoods.
At UWCC, our work is purely focused on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), your neighbors. ALICE is your favorite restaurant server, the cashier at the grocery store, even the UPS and Amazon driver delivering your packages this holiday season.
That is why, this Giving Tuesday Nov. 28, we are asking you to consider joining forces with UWCC to become a hope mobilizer and a catalyst for change. Thanks to the glowing altruism of Florida Power and Light, donations made on this day to UWCC will be matched dollar by dollar, doubling the impact. And you can be sure all contributions will directly benefit those in our community who need it most.
Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has seen growing popularity nationwide. I love hearing stories of how people choose to participate. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it is a time to put aside holiday shopping lists and instead focus on being the change we want to see in the world.
I am happy to say all donations made to UWCC will undoubtedly have a lasting impact and you will be able to observe your gift at work throughout the year. Our programs make a visible difference in how citizens live and work. For example, helping hardworking families get the most from their income tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The Ageless United program functions to ensure our elderly neighbors no longer endure hunger, loneliness, or isolation. United at Work helps business owners and employees create positive work environments, leading to greater financial security across the county. The Grade-Level Reading program serves children by providing them with the building blocks for literacy. Women United brings ladies of Charlotte County together to share their individual strengths and focus on empowering initiatives.
I cannot stress enough how very thankful we are for the wonderful people of Charlotte County who give of themselves so that others can find their footing in difficult times. So many of you show up to offer your efforts, time, and talents. You volunteer. You donate. You choose to be the change. We could not be more grateful.
For those who are giving on this Giving Tuesday, we ask that you remember us. In choosing to give to UWCC, your support becomes a ray of hope, reaching right into the heart of local homes. When you partner with us, you can see your giving power amplified. Thank you to FPL for the $5,000 matching gift. To make your contribution, visit www.unitedwayccfl.org/giving-tuesday.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.