JULY NEWSLETTER | 2026

As we reflect on another successful Day of Action in both Pickerington and Lancaster, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who made these special events possible. Each year, the United Way of Fairfield County looks forward to bringing our community together for a day centered on service, connection, and compassion—and this year was no exception.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsor, Nationwide Children's Hospital, as well as IVP Media and NOPEC for their generous support of our Lancaster event. Their commitment to our community helps make events like these possible and demonstrates the power of investing in the well-being of Fairfield County families.

Day of Action is about so much more than a single day of activities. It provides children with an opportunity to learn the value of kindness, giving back, and making a positive impact in their community. At the same time, it creates meaningful opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect with local organizations and resources that are here to support them throughout the year.

We are incredibly grateful to the many community agencies, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and local organizations who joined us. Fairfield County is truly fortunate to be home to so many dedicated individuals and agencies that stand ready to serve our neighbors whenever the need arises. Seeing so many partners working together reminds us that when we collaborate, we create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

Events like Day of Action also serve as an important reminder of why our annual campaign matters. The generosity of our donors and supporters fuels the work of our partner agencies every day, ensuring that critical services remain available to individuals and families across Fairfield County. The impact of every gift extends far beyond a campaign—it strengthens lives, creates opportunities, and builds hope for our friends and neighbors.

To our sponsors, volunteers, partner agencies, and every family who came out to celebrate with us—thank you. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to our community are what make Day of Action such a meaningful success. We couldn't do it without you, and we are honored to continue working together to build a brighter future for Fairfield County.

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Ohio, one of our incredible community partners. Their dedication to empowering young people and strengthening our communities continues to make a lasting impact, and their recent recognition at the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference is a testament to the exceptional work they do every day.

At the conference, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Ohio was honored with the prestigious 2025 Growth Award, recognizing their remarkable expansion and commitment to serving more children and families throughout the region. They were also recognized for the success of their High School Bigs program, which creates meaningful mentoring relationships and leadership opportunities for students while positively influencing the lives of younger children.

These achievements reflect the creativity, innovation, and passion that define the organization. Whether through one-on-one mentoring relationships, school-based programs, or community engagement efforts, the team consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to helping local youth reach their full potential.

Their impact extends beyond mentoring. The Big Book Nook, their beloved community bookstore, serves as another example of their dedication to literacy, education, and community connection. Through this unique venture, they continue to create opportunities that benefit children, families, and readers of all ages.

We are incredibly proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Ohio and grateful to witness the difference they make in the lives of so many local children. Their hard work, dedication, and genuine passion for serving others shine brightly throughout our community, and we are delighted to see them receive the recognition they so richly deserve.

Congratulations to the entire team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Ohio on these well-earned honors. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work for years to come.

On Friday, June 19, we had the privilege of participating in the Juneteenth celebration hosted by Destination Downtown Lancaster. We are grateful for the invitation to be part of such a meaningful event and for the opportunity to connect with community members, share information about local resources, and put wonderful books into the hands of children and families.

Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom, reflect on our nation's history, and celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. The day's celebration was powerful, inspiring, and a meaningful reminder of the importance of recognizing and learning from the history that Juneteenth commemorates.

Throughout the event, we enjoyed meeting families, engaging in conversations with community members, and helping connect individuals with resources available throughout our area. One of the highlights of the day was sharing books with children and families, helping foster a love of reading while creating opportunities for learning and connection.

We are thankful to stand alongside our fellow community members as we continue to learn, grow, and work toward building a stronger, more connected community for everyone. Events like these remind us of the importance of coming together, celebrating our shared values, and supporting one another.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the organizers, volunteers, and attendees who made the day so special. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming celebration were evident throughout the event.

We are grateful to have been a part of this year's Juneteenth celebration and look forward to continuing to support opportunities that bring our community together.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Buckeye Automotive Family for being honored with the Corporate Citizenship Award by Columbus Business First.

This prestigious recognition reflects Buckeye Automotive Family's ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities they serve through their Buckeye Cares Initiative and numerous partnerships across Fairfield County and Central Ohio. Their dedication to supporting local schools, first responders, nonprofit organizations, and community events demonstrates that community involvement is at the heart of their mission.

Through Buckeye Cares, the organization has consistently invested in programs and agencies that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents. Their willingness to give back, volunteer, and support important community causes has helped strengthen countless organizations throughout our region.

This award is a testament not only to Buckeye Automotive Family's leadership, but also to the collective efforts of their associates, customers, and community partners who work together to create a lasting positive impact.

We are grateful for their continued support of Fairfield County and congratulate the entire Buckeye Automotive Family team on this well-deserved honor. Their example reminds us that strong businesses help build strong communities—one act of service at a time.

For many children in Fairfield County, Friday afternoon doesn't just mark the end of the school week—it can also mean uncertainty about where their next meal will come from.

That's where the United Way of Fairfield County's Full Plate Club steps in. Through this vital program, weekend meal bags are discreetly distributed to students experiencing food insecurity, ensuring they have nutritious food to carry them through the weekend until they return to school on Monday.

While the food inside each bag is essential, the bag itself plays an equally important role. Every meal we provide depends on having sturdy bags to pack, transport, and deliver these resources to children in need.

This year, we are inviting local businesses, organizations, civic groups, and community partners to become Full Plate Club Bag Sponsors by donating approximately 1,000 bags to support the program. A sponsorship of this kind helps ensure that every child receiving weekend meals has a reliable way to take home the food they need.

It's a simple gift that creates a meaningful impact.

By sponsoring bags, your organization becomes part of a community-wide effort to fight childhood hunger and support local families. Your generosity allows our volunteers to focus on what matters most—packing nutritious meals and ensuring they reach the children who depend on them.

Together, we can make sure that no child has to worry about going hungry over the weekend.

Ready to make a difference? Scan the QR code or visit our Full Plate Club Bag Sponsorship Interest Form. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Sydney Strite at sstrite@uwayfairfieldco.org.

Thank you for partnering with the United Way of Fairfield County to carry hope, nourish children, and strengthen our community—one bag at a time.

Do you enjoy planning events, sharing creative ideas, or finding new ways to bring people together? We're looking for passionate volunteers to join the United Way Events Committee!

As a committee member, you'll help plan and support some of our signature events throughout the year, including our Annual 5K, Community Care Day, Awards Banquet, and other special fundraising and community engagement opportunities. Whether you have experience planning events or simply enjoy collaborating with others, we'd love to have your voice at the table.

The Events Committee is an opportunity to:

• Help create memorable events that strengthen our community.
• Share your creativity and fresh ideas.
• Explore innovative and inclusive ways to increase participation and fundraising for our annual campaign.
• Connect with other community-minded volunteers who are passionate about making a difference.

We believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we're excited to welcome individuals who want to help us imagine new possibilities for our events and fundraising efforts.

Interested in joining? Simply scan the QR code below or click the provided link to complete our Events Committee Interest Form. We'd love to learn more about you and how you'd like to get involved.

If you have any questions about the committee or would like additional information, please contact Sydney Strite at sstrite@uwayfairfieldco.org.

Together, we can create meaningful events, strengthen community connections, and make an even greater impact across Fairfield County.

At the heart of every strong community are partners who step up when they're needed most. We are incredibly grateful to Unified Bank for being one of those partners.

Through their recent generous financial donation, Unified Bank continues to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to strengthening our community. Their ongoing support helps us provide vital resources to individuals and families who rely on our services, and we are deeply appreciative of their investment in our mission.

What makes Unified Bank such an exceptional community partner goes beyond financial support. When we faced an urgent need for food donations, their team responded without hesitation. They quickly became a food donation drop-off location and helped engage other local businesses to rally around the effort. Their willingness to mobilize resources and inspire others made an immediate and meaningful difference for the neighbors we serve.

The dedication and generosity of the entire Unified Bank team remind us what can be accomplished when organizations come together with a shared purpose. Their partnership continues to create a lasting impact, and we are honored to work alongside people who care so deeply about the well-being of our community.

To everyone at Unified Bank, thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and your unwavering support. We are excited to continue building this partnership and look forward to all that we can accomplish together in the years ahead.

United Way of Fairfield County is excited to reintroduce our Loaned Executive (LE) Program as part of this year's Annual Campaign!

For nearly 70 years, United Way organizations across the country have partnered with local businesses to develop community leaders through the Loaned Executive Program. Now, we're inviting businesses and organizations throughout Fairfield County to join us in continuing that tradition.

A Loaned Executive is an employee who is "loaned" by their employer to support United Way on a part-time basis—typically no more than five hours per month during campaign season. In return, participants gain valuable leadership experience, professional development, and a deeper understanding of the needs within our community.

As a Loaned Executive, you'll:

• Serve as a United Way ambassador during our Annual Campaign.
• Support workplace campaigns and community outreach efforts.
• Participate in leadership development, team-building, and specialized training.
• Visit United Way-funded community partners to see firsthand how campaign dollars create lasting impact.
• Build meaningful relationships with fellow community leaders and professionals.
• Develop communication, public speaking, networking, and leadership skills that benefit both your career and your organization.

Every dollar raised through our workplace campaigns helps support local programs that provide critical services for individuals and families across Fairfield County. These include assistance with food, shelter, childcare, education, transportation, healthcare access, mental health services, domestic violence support, and programs that serve our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors. This year's campaign will also help launch initiatives that address some of Fairfield County's most pressing challenges, including housing.

The Loaned Executive Program is designed to grow with its participants. Returning Loaned Executives have opportunities to serve in new leadership roles each year while continuing to expand their skills through updated training and programming. Our goal is to cultivate the next generation of diverse community leaders who are committed to creating a stronger, more connected Fairfield County.

If you'd like to learn more about the Loaned Executive Program or discuss how your organization can participate, please scan the QR Code listed above or visit: https://go.levitate.ai/?s=1fd5aYbE7y&source=customSurvey

Date: July 8th @ 6:30 PM

Location: Hunter Park 907 Lincoln Ave

Details: Join our local Kiwanis Club at Hunter Park as your local Kiwanis hosts Story time for our community! In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Rec. This weeks topic will be SHARKS!

Date: July 10th @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: 681 E 6th Ave

Details: Treat your vehicle to a fresh wash while enjoying delicious homemade baked goods, all while supporting the programs and services that help individuals with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Proceed will benefit Fairfield Center for Independence

Date: July 15th @ 6:30 PM

Location: Hunter Park 907 Lincoln Ave

Details: Join our local Kiwanis Club at Hunter Park as your local Kiwanis hosts Story time for our community! In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Rec. This weeks topic - KINDNESS!

Date: July 22nd @ 6:30 PM

Location: Hunter Park 907 Lincoln Ave

Details: Join our local Kiwanis Club at Hunter Park as your local Kiwanis hosts Story time for our community! In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Rec. This weeks theme - PIRATES!

Date: July 29th @ 6:30 PM

Location: Hunter Park 907 Lincoln Ave

Details: Join our local Kiwanis Club at Hunter Park as your local Kiwanis hosts Story time for our community! In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Rec. This weeks theme - SPACE!

Date: September 10th @ 7:45 AM

Location: TBD

Details: Join us for our annual Community Care Day: Campaign Kickoff. Stay tuned for more details to come!

Date: October 24th @ 10:00 AM

Location: 624 W Fifth Ave

Details: Step into a world of fantasy, adventure, and magic for one day only. Adult and children's books, special items, and our favorite young wizard. Books may be priced according to condition.
Best dress wizard contest- win a BBN gift card

Date: Now Through October 30th

Location: Virtual - Facebook

Details: Buy your ticket today! You'll have a chance to win half the pot while helping United Way of Fairfield County create opportunities and support for local ALICE families. Get All In for ALICE and be part of the solution.

Date: November 14th @ 9:00 AM

Location: Fairfield County Fairgrounds

Details: Join us for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! Stay tuned for more information and details as we get closer to the date!