What I learned at the Gas Station Counter; how my daily routine turned into a moment of compassion

Katie Koglman • August 22, 2025

If you know me, you know I love my Coke Zero. Every day, like clockwork, I stop at the local gas station to fill my jumbo cup with ice and fizzy joy. It’s a small routine, but one that I look forward to.

Last week, as I stepped up to the counter, I noticed the young woman working that morning was gently rubbing her temples, clearly in pain. I paused and asked, “Are you okay?” Her eyes welled up a little as she explained that she had a broken tooth. The pain was constant, and she didn’t have the money to see a dentist.

My heart ached for her.

I asked if she had transportation, and when she said yes, I told her about the Viola Startzman Clinic in Wooster — a place that offers affordable dental care for people just like her. She blinked in surprise. She had no idea it even existed. I scribbled down the phone number and urged her to call right away. She held the paper like it was gold.

Then she looked at me and said, “You’re a Godsend.”

As I walked back to my car, I thought about how it only took a minute — one question, one small effort — to change someone’s day, maybe even their life. There were other people in that store. They hadn’t noticed. But I did. And I’m so glad I did.

We live in a community rich with resources. But the truth is, people in pain don’t always know where to turn. Sometimes, all they need is a little nudge in the right direction. A moment of kindness. A reminder that someone sees them.

This young woman is doing her best, working hard, and showing up every day — even through the pain. She deserved help. And I’m thankful I could offer it.

If you ever meet someone who’s struggling, don’t hesitate. Let them know about 2-1-1 — our local, 24/7 resource hotline. One simple call to (330) 263-6363 connects them to a live operator who can guide them toward the help they need.

Because kindness costs nothing, but it can mean everything.

And here’s the beautiful part — donations made to United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties help make all of this possible. Your support funds the Viola Startzman Dental Clinic, the 2-1-1 resource hotline, and so many other programs that offer real help to real people. When you give, you’re not just donating — you’re changing lives.

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

By Ashley Hershberget • August 19, 2025

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

Celebrating 30 Years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

By Kayley Cox • July 1, 2025

Celebrating 30 Years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library This year, I was honored to attend the virtual Homecoming Conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library . As the Local Program Partner that fundraises for our program in Holmes and Wayne Counties, I was excited to participate—even if I was a little disappointed the event wasn’t held in person at Dollywood. Still, I committed to making the most of the experience by actively engaging in sessions and discussions throughout the event. The conference offered a wide range of sessions, from strategies to strengthen relationships with local public libraries to creative ways to boost enrollment. One of the highlights for me was connecting with fellow program partners not only from across the U.S. but also from the UK, Canada, Scotland, and Australia. It was both inspiring and energizing to share stories and best practices with peers from around the globe, all united by the same mission: to get books into the hands of children. One of the biggest takeaways from the three-day virtual event was the importance of celebrating how far we’ve come. When our United Way launched the Imagination Library in 2019, Holmes County had zero children enrolled. Today, we have 1,629 current participants and 1,362 graduates. Wayne County shows similar success, with 3,924 children currently enrolled and more than 4,100 graduates. That’s over 11,000 children who’ve been directly impacted by this program! Those numbers are impressive, but the real question is: what do they mean for our children and our community? Cincinnati Children’s Hospital reminds us that children aren’t born with a reading network—it must be built through exposure and practice. Reading aloud to young children strengthens their language development and cognitive growth. By age three, a child’s brain is already 80% developed. Imagination Library provides families with the tools to support this crucial development—at no cost to them. That’s nothing short of amazing. As the conference wrapped up, I felt refreshed, motivated, and more enthusiastic than ever about the work we’re doing. The connections I’ve made through the network of Local Program Partners have deepened my sense of support and community. This work matters. I see it in my own children who are enrolled in Imagination Library. I hear it from families across Holmes and Wayne Counties. And it’s reflected in the data for the young readers who participate in this program across the world. So, if you have a child under 5 in your life, check today that they are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. And if they aren’t enrolled, sign them up today! Go to www.uwwh.org/get-books It’s free, fulfilling, and most importantly, it’s fun 😊.