What We Do
It’s our mission to bring neighbors and resources together to improve lives in Union County, Ohio.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
A new book, every month, until your child turns five.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will help you read with your child. There are many reasons parents do not read to their child, but we can eliminate one of them. Every child will have books of their very own, at no cost to you, thanks to United Way of Union County, generous community sponsors and Dolly Parton.
Every month, a carefully chosen book will be sent directly to your home in your child’s name. He/she can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library until he/she turns 5 years old as long as you remain a resident of Union County. Should the child move outside Union County, he/she automatically exits the program.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a FREE GIFT to our children! All you have to do is read to your children.
What Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is . . . FREE!
Who Is Eligible?
Young children (birth until their fifth birthday) who live in Union County.
How Can I Participate?
- Be a resident of Union County.
- Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by parent or guardian (form can be completed via the link at the top of this page or via a form submitted to United Way of Union County). All requests must be approved.
- Books are mailed to the address listed on the official registration form. Please notify us if the child’s address changes. Notify either the Imagination Library or United Way of Union County any time your address changes.
- Read with your child and enjoy the wonderful gift of books!
When Will I Receive Books?
Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five years old or you move out of Union County.
How Can I Help?
Do you know a young child in Union County who is not receiving Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Encourage their parents to register. Telling them about this FREE program can make a huge difference in their future and the future of our community.
Union County Emergency Relief Fund
When disaster strikes, our community comes together.
In partnership with the Union County Emergency Management Agency (UCEMA) and the Union County Foundation, United Way of Union County stands ready to support our neighbors in times of crisis. We have established the Union County Emergency Relief Fund to help meet urgent and long-term needs right here at home.
Once activated by UCEMA in response to a specific emergency, United Way of Union County will begin accepting donations to provide critical support to those directly impacted. And 100% of the funds collected will be used to help our Union County community recover and rebuild following the event.
We have the experience, local partnerships and deep roots in Union County to ensure your donation goes where it’s needed most. Thank you for your generosity and for standing with your neighbors when it matters most.
Please check back here or follow us on social media for updates when this fund is activated.
Union County UNITED:
Together, we are turning aspirations into action.
In partnership with The Harwood Institute, United Way of Union County (UWUC) is making efforts to strengthen Union County’s civic culture and create meaningful action on the issues that matter most to our community. As the lead partner, UWUC works alongside a network of local organizations and residents to support three Harwood-led teams and an additional community workgroup.
These teams are actively engaging with residents by listening to their voices and working on solutions for topics that reach beyond the mission of any single organization.
Community-led Focus Teams:
· Youth Team
· Arts Team
· Health Team
· English Language Workgroup
Want to get involved? An important part of this initiative is bringing new people into the work. Join us for our next orientation by connecting with Initiative Coordinator, Tessa Fite tessa.fite@unitedwayofunioncounty.org.
There’s never been a better time to meet your neighbors.
You’ve told us that here in Union County, life’s better when you know your neighbors. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a full-blown block party for your neighborhood, we’ve got the tools to help make it happen. Explore the ideas and resources below to kick things off. They’re here to spark inspiration, not add pressure. After all, no one knows your neighborhood like you do. You belong here!
What you need: Click Here to view our block party checklist or if you prefer a hard copy, download it here: Checklist
Create a flyer: If you have CANVA: EDITABLE CANVA TEMPLATE- BLOCK PARTY
If you do not have CANVA: Download the PPT, edit it, and save it as a PDF PPT Template
Warm Clothes for Kids
Every Child Deserves to Be Warm
Winter in Ohio can be harsh, but no child should face it without warm, properly fitting clothes. That’s why United Way of Union County offers Warm Clothes for Kids, a program that provides local students with the winter essentials they need to stay safe, confident and cared for.
Warm Clothes for Kids was first introduced in Union County by the Marysville High School DECA program, inspired by its success in neighboring Logan County. Recognizing the growing need and long-term potential, United Way of Union County took on the program to provide a sustainable, community-backed foundation. Today, thanks to generous donors, volunteers and school partnerships, local students in need receive $90 worth of brand-new winter clothing including coats, boots, hats and gloves.
How Families Access the Program
Warm Clothes for Kids works through school staff who identify and refer students in need. All referrals are handled with care and remain confidential.
How You Can Help
You can be part of this life-changing effort. Your gift brings more than warmth — it brings comfort, dignity and the feeling of being seen.
- Donate $90 to sponsor a child
- Volunteer to help with shopping or packaging
Local dollars. Local solutions. Local success.
No gift is too large or too small. They all matter. They all make a difference. Especially yours! We can’t do our work without YOUR help. Please give generously.
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Bringing neighbors and resources together to improve lives in Union County, Ohio, since 1958.
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