Every year, United Way of Greater Union County mobilizes its volunteers and community partners to lend a helping hand and support those in need during the Season of Caring. To date, dozens of volunteers have participated in Caring Events and donated their time for the greater good. Close to fifty Union County companies held donation drives to help the underserved.

“The Season of Caring truly promotes the spirit and value of volunteerism, increases the awareness of local human service agencies, and demonstrates what people working together for the community’s good can accomplish,” said James W. Horne Jr., President & CEO of United Way of Greater Union County. “

This year’s successful projects included:

• Food and toy donation drives, valued at over $12,000.

• Holiday Wishes, provided holiday gifts to children from disadvantaged households collecting a number of gifts, valued at over $25,000.

• The Barnes & Noble-United Way Book Give Away distributed over 1,300 books to elementary school students to inspire the love of reading and learning.

United Way community partners including Infineum USA L.P., AGL/Elizabethtown Gas, Linde, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car donated their time, talent and resources to give back to the community. Hundreds of volunteers gave back countywide or across Union County, serving in soup kitchens, food pantries and other social service organizations.

According to United Way of Greater Union County’s President and CEO James Horne, Jr., “what makes participating in volunteer activities important is you see first hand how your efforts directly impact people’s lives. We are grateful for the overwhelming support and generosity from our partners and look forward to working with them all again next year.”

This year’s Season of Caring received overwhelming support specifically from two Union County corporations, Linde and Infineum USA L.P. as well as two Cranford residents, Mrs. Nancy Dango and Mrs. Stephanie Quinn. “

Bearing an extraordinary load of gifts, both Linde and Infineum USA LP, met the holiday wishes for over 200 children. Mrs. Nancy Dango of Cranford, who works for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Summit, rallied with a number of her co-workers to contribute toys, clothes, and books for over 50 children. Mrs. Stephanie Quinn, also from Cranford, organized with her neighbors and friends to generate a truck load full of toys, clothes, baby items, books and other unique gifts.

Myrna H., Holiday Wishes recipient from United Way partner agency Homefirst in Plainfield, said “We were so grateful for the contribution made possible by United Way, “my husband and I are surviving on one unemployment check with four daughters and through the help and support from United Way, our holidays were brought in with nothing but happiness and smiles. Thank you again. “

United Way of Greater Union County's Season of Caring was established to encourage business and individuals to help those in need during the holiday season and volunteer their services at local non-profit organizations. From September to December, volunteers contribute their time, talent and ideas to meaningful community service projects all across Union County.