United Way Campaign Kick-Off Video

July 31, 2020

Wooster, Ohio (July 29, 2020) – United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties (UWWH) is excited to kick-off their 2020 Campaign. This year’s goal is $1.5 Million. Campaign planning comes with a lot of preparation and UWWH is in full swing, working to raise money that helps thousands of people locally in Holmes and Wayne Counties, in a year like no other.

One of the key components to their campaign is a campaign video. This year the video stars Eight local vocal artists who were selected through submissions from a virtual open call which was held earlier this year. “The responses were amazing!” said Katie Koglman, Executive Director of UWWH. “We have so much talent in Holmes and Wayne Counties. It was uplifting to see the Eight community artists, who were selected, come together and create a moment of inspiration, through our theme song “Love Can Build a Bridge” originally by the Judd’s”, continued Koglman.

The video which will be released August 1, 2020 in conjunction with their campaign kick-off, is a moving message and plea to the community to love one another! The participants include; Matt Cruise, Wooster City Police, Gus Johnson, Hiland High School, his brother Phinehas Johnson, Hiland High School, Noah Michaels, Orrville Middle School, Hannah Schade, Chippewa High School, Sheryl Villegas, Catholic Charities and Trevor Villegas, Wooster High School Aluma. The video was produced by; Joe Bruch and Joe Villegas.

“Community collaborations are always wonderful, but this experience especially with such a diverse group of people of all ages and backgrounds was incredible.” said Koglman. “We know that this year the needs are great and my team is ready to move that thermometer up to the $1.5 Million dollar mark – with your help! We are more motivated than ever before and have a great start of 25%. We are ready to take on 2020 by raising the most funds in recent history for UWWH.”

United Way of Wayne and Holmes is asking community members to consider a gift of any size to help them toward their goal. You can donate by visiting: uwwh.org or by texting: GIVELOCAL2020 to 44321.

The 2020 Campaign video, can be viewed at the following link:

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Why we stay nonpartisan

By Katie Koglman • October 7, 2026

United We Help: Why United Way Wayne and Holmes Stays Nonpartisan Turn on the television. Scroll social media. Check your mailbox. Election season brings a steady stream of political messages, each competing for our attention and asking us to choose a side. It can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to separate facts from opinions and decide whom to trust. At United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties, we value the trust our community places in us. That is why we want to be clear about our role during elections.We do not endorse candidates, oppose candidates, or tell people whom to vote for. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we are prohibited from participating in political campaigns for or against candidates for public office. This is a legal requirement , not simply an organizational preference. Our responsibility is to serve Wayne and Holmes Counties and bring people together to help our neighbors. Nonpartisan does not mean silent We see the challenges people face every day: families struggling to afford groceries, workers facing transportation barriers, children needing opportunities to learn, and neighbors searching for mental health support. We have a role in helping our community and policymakers understand those needs. We can share information, educate elected officials, build relationships, and speak up about issues connected to our mission. We can also engage in some lobbying on specific legislation, within the limits that apply to charitable organizations. Speaking up about a community need is different from asking you to vote for a particular candidate. Can we do that? Our “Can We Do That? A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Advocacy” graphic uses a traffic-light approach to explain the difference. Green: Speak up for our community. Share stories, explain community needs, educate policymakers, and encourage civic participation. Yellow: Know the rules. Supporting or opposing specific legislation is lobbying, which comes with limits and responsibilities. Red: No candidate endorsements. We cannot support or oppose candidates, contribute organizational funds to their campaigns, or use our organizational voice to tell you whom to elect. We can encourage people to register and vote, and provide voter information, as long as those efforts remain neutral and do not favor or oppose candidates or political parties. Your vote belongs to you You may hear us discuss hunger, literacy, housing, transportation, or other issues affecting local families. You may see us meeting with elected officials to help them understand what is happening in our communities. Those conversations are about the people we serve. They are not candidate endorsements. We encourage you to ask questions, examine reliable information, learn about candidates, and make your own informed choices. The neighbors who turn to us for help have different backgrounds, beliefs, and political views. So do the donors, volunteers, and partners who make our work possible. Helping our community takes all of us. Election season will come and go. Our commitment to Wayne and Holmes counties continues regardless of the outcome. We encourage all of you to vote, and vote for who you think is the best candidate! Early voting begins October 6, 2026 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. To find where you should go to vote Click Here. Go VOTE!!