Crayons, Compassion & Community: My First Month at United Way

Before I had a login or a desk, I got a text from our CEO, Katie Koglman:
“There’s a gap. We need to help.”
Some of the usual programs that support local kids with school supplies couldn’t do it this year. These organizations do incredible work all year long, but this time, the need was clear and we stepped in.
We couldn’t wait.
We gathered school supply lists. We reached out to teachers and staff. We asked: What’s missing? How can we help?
And then something amazing happened: our community didn’t just respond they burst into action like a pack of neon highlighters, each one illuminating in their own special way.
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Why It Mattered
This wasn’t just about handing out pencils and glue sticks. It was about making sure no child walked into school feeling left out, unprepared, or unseen. It was about ensuring no family felt ashamed for not being able to afford supplies while waiting for next week’s paycheck or worried about showing up to open house empty-handed.
There were no income requirements. No hoops to jump through. We just wanted to help.
Because while school supplies may seem simple, they carry a powerful message:
“You matter.” “You belong.” “We got you.”
For families juggling tight budgets and long work hours, this kind of support isn’t just helpful, it’s a lifeline.
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The Power of Community
When we opened the notebook of need, our community filled every page with generosity.
🧂 Morton Salt seasoned the school year with kindness. 
🎒 YMCA of Wayne County turned extras into essentials, proving backpacks can carry more than supplies, they carry hope. 
🚚 The Brown Family, Whitaker Myers Insurance, and Friendly Wholesale delivered cleaning supplies like a well-packed care kit, insured with love. 
🏈 The Troyer family scored a touchdown in generosity, showing up at football practice with a car full of heart. 
🏭 Akron Brass / IDEX brought legacy and leadership… plus a little family pride from my coloring contest champion days. 
🥩 Certified Angus Beef served up farm-fresh compassion, moo-ving us with their thoughtful donation. 
🙏 Canaan Apostolic Christian Church added sparkle, like sticky notes of encouragement tucked into every backpack. 
🧼 Always Organized by Design erased chaos with a clean, intentional donation that helped families reset. 
🏦 Commercial Savings Bank budgeted for kindness, filling boxes with steady, strategic support. 
📓 Farmers National Bank contributed with notebook-worthy care, dependable, rooted, and ready to inspire success.
And when the supply list still had gaps, I made a late-night dash to Meijer, where Hunter and Shellie helped me check out and load two carts overflowing with supplies. Back at the office, Kayley stayed up late helping me sort through the chaos, turning a mountain of materials into organized magic.
Each act of kindness was more than just a donation, it was a bold, bright message: "We see you. We’re with you. You’re not alone."
That’s what community does. That’s what love looks like. 
And that’s the kind of magic we get to be part of every day at United Way.
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Beyond the Dollar
Since joining United Way, one question keeps coming up from friends and family:
“So… what does United Way actually do?”
It’s a fair question. For some, United Way is the organization that shows up once a year at your workplace. But we’re so much more than a fundraising campaign.
We’re problem-solvers. Connectors. Helpers. We ask what’s needed, and we show up.
Here’s what that looks like:
- We help kids walk into school with confidence and the tools they need.
- We help families through tough times, especially those who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet.
- We help empower nonprofits to launch bold, life-changing ideas.
- We help connect the dots when no one else can.
We’re not a distant office in a big city. We are your United Way.
Boots (and sometimes heels) on the ground in Wayne and Holmes Counties. Rooted in this community. Powered by the people who love it.
When you support United Way Wayne and Holmes, you’re not just giving to an organization. You’re investing in your neighbors. Your schools. Your community.
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Living My Values
Looking back on my first month, one thing is clear: I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Showing up. Listening. Lending a hand. Not just as a mom. Not just as a neighbor. But now, through my work, I get to live out my values every single day.
This is more than a job. It’s a calling. A chance to help my community in ways that matter.
That’s what United Way is all about. That’s what our team here does. And I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.
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Want to Help? Here’s How
If this made you think, “I want to be part of that,” you already are.
Helping doesn’t have to be big or flashy. Sometimes it’s showing up. Sometimes it’s sharing an idea. Sometimes it’s just asking, “What do you need?” and gettin’ it done.
Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Volunteer Your Time – Join us at events, lend a hand behind the scenes, or share a skill. Every hour makes a difference.
- Donate What You Can – Every dollar stays local and helps meet real, urgent needs in Wayne and Holmes Counties. [DONATE HERE]
- Share This Post – Awareness fuels action and the more people who know, the more we can do.
- Make a Connection – Know a business, school, church, or group that wants to help? Introduce us. One connection can spark something big.
- Share Your Ideas – See a need? Have a creative way to help? We’re listening and we love bold, community-driven ideas.
- Be a Champion – Talk about United Way. Share our mission. Help others see the impact. Your voice matters.
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Let’s Connect
Want to learn more about United Way, our mission, and the incredible community partners doing amazing work in Wayne and Holmes Counties?
📞 Give us a call at 330-264-5576 
📧 Shoot us an email at info@uwwh.org or ashley@uwwh.org 
🌐 Visit our website at www.uwwh.org
We’d love to hear from you and we want to help. 
Let’s keep building something beautiful, together.