The next pop-up food pantry is Sat Jan 25 in the parking lot of The New Path, Inc. in Piqua. Anyone in need of food is asked to bring a photo ID and come over between 12 & 2 pm. Organized by the Miami Co Food Insecurity Committee at the Shared Harvest mobile food bank in Piqua

Erwin Chrysler in Troy recently held their 17^th annual car show and donated $2,700 of the proceeds to United Way of Miami County.

Erwin Chrysler held their annual car show on September 28^th, 2019. They had over 150 cars come out to compete, as well as a great turnout of spectators, and wonderful weather. They wanted to thank all the patrons and vendors whose support makes the large donation possible. They had judges and awarded 20 trophies to the participating cars. They also had a live DJ, several drawings and door prizes, and food and refreshments for everyone to enjoy.

The $2,700 raised and donated to United Way of Miami County will go directly to the residents of Miami County through the work of the 42 partner agencies funded by the United Way.  The United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all.  Our focus is on Education, Income, Health, and Housing because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life.

Erwin Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is located at 2775 S. County Road 25A in Troy, Ohio. They have been serving Troy and Miami County since 1975. Providing parts, service and care to all vehicles as well as sales and customer service of new and used cars.

Thursday at the Miami County Commissioners meeting, a proclamation was unanimously approved to contribute $50,000 to the United Way of Miami County for the startup of 2-1-1 services in Miami County.   “We are very excited to be able to offer this program to the citizens of Miami County. The 2-1-1 service is truly going to influence the condition of every resident of Miami County,” stated United Way of Miami County’s CEO Sean Ford after attending the meeting.

Just like you would dial 9-1-1 for emergencies, Miami County residents will soon be able to call 2-1-1 and be connected to a live, social worker-trained operator 24/7/365 who will assist with their human service needs and questions.  

In Miami County there are many government, nonprofit and faith-based organizations providing much needed services to our residents.  It can be very confusing to know who does what and where one can turn to for help. The new 2-1-1 services will help with the majority of these issues.

The United Way of Miami County is extremely grateful and proud to be partnering with the Miami County Commissioners for the funding of the 2-1-1 program. Watch for more news on this exciting development on our website www.unitedwaymco.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @UnitedWayMCO.

Thoughts from United Way of Miami Co.’s CEO Sean Ford:

As I put away the presents I received for Christmas and cleaned up the leftover food, I reflected on the wonderful spirit of giving I noticed in our community over the past few months.

Food was donated, cooked, delivered and served to hundreds of families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Gifts were purchased and wrapped to make sure that foster kids, families in shelters, senior citizens, and others facing financial challenges had a happy holiday this year.  Nearly every day, the paper reported on one or more generous donations given to a local pantry, shelter, or other charity.  Generous donors paid off strangers’ layaway bills and dropped big bills in the collection kettles.  There were drives for Toys for Tots, Coats for Kids, Sweaters, Boots, Heating Assistance, Pet Supplies and more. 

All these efforts helped ensure that no one needed to go without a warm meal, gifts, and the knowledge that we live in a caring community.  However, now the decorations are going back on the shelves for the year.  I hope that this caring, giving spirit doesn’t also get shelved until the next holiday.  Until the economy turns around so that everyone in the Miami County can find a job that can support their family, many of our neighbors need a helping hand throughout the year.  The United Way of Miami County is helping to meet this need. But there are many nonprofit agencies in our community working year ‘round to help families increase their financial stability during these troubled times.  United Way encourages everyone to Give, Advocate and Volunteer throughout the year.  You can find opportunities to get involved on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unitedwayMCO/, by calling us at 773-6786 or email sean@unitedwaymco.org.

Thanks to your generosity, our United Way of Miami County is 70% to our goal of reaching $1,350,000.  This money will help support 43 local agencies, right here in Miami County, Ohio.  Those agencies help our neighbors with education, financial stability, and health initiatives. We are so close!  We are hoping to get an additional $418,000 in pledges to meet our goal.  We need your help!

United Way of Miami County’s CEO Sean Ford commented “With your help, we know that we can raise the additional funds needed to close the gap. Remember, that all money raised here, stays here in Miami County and helps LOCAL children and families. We are helping the people that you see at the grocery store, that you stand in line with, that you run into at church, that are your neighbors, that are your cousins and that are your friends.  Together we can make a difference.”

With the clock ticking on the 2018 fundraising campaign, there isn’t time to waste!  We are looking to add to our already long list of Miami County businesses and their amazing employees that are donating towards our cause.  Many businesses make a company donation, while other businesses are running an employee giving campaign.  Those campaigns give their employees a chance to donate a few dollars from their paychecks each week.  There is also a very easy way to make an individual donation.  Just log onto our website and click ‘donate’.  Go to https://unitedwaymco.org/donate/ today to make a difference in this season of giving.

“Although the United Way is a nationally recognized name, its focus is on making local communities stronger.  The funds raised by the United Way of Miami County, through campaigns and donations, are used by our community to support organizations providing services in the health, education, and financial stability areas. We support over 40 organizations which touch, either directly or indirectly, virtually every citizen in Miami County.” Phil Cox, President of the United Way of Miami County board of directors.

Tis the season for goodwill and gift giving.  With your gift to the United Way of Miami County, we can continue to help those in need in our community, making it a better place for everyone.  Thank you for doing your part, and for helping Miami County Live United!

With your support, we can impact Miami County in a lasting way!

To stay current with all the United Way of Miami County news, please visit www.unitedwaymco.org and follow/like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @UnitedWayMCO.