On a warm August morning, Kelsey Tucci didn’t head into her office at Burns & McDonnell, where she works as a senior community relations strategist. Instead, she was back in a familiar place: the classroom. The former teacher is proud to support other educators as a member of United Way’s Women United, during its annual Refresh a Classroom initiative, presented by Burns & McDonnell. Members of Women United give at least $1,000 annually to support United Way and are dedicated to volunteering and advocating to advance early learning in the Kansas City region.
“For me, volunteering makes giving back feel more personal,” Tucci shared. “It can be easy to make a donation, but giving your time lets you actually see the work being done and better understand the needs in our community.”
United Way supports numerous volunteer activities to engage the community throughout the year. In November, it brought together hundreds of people from across the region in Kansas City’s single largest day of volunteer action with CommUNITY Fest presented by G.E.H.A.. Participants had the opportunity to spend their day serving with more than 30 organizations providing volunteer activities at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan., or travel offsite to give back with more than a dozen local nonprofits.
For Kelsey, these opportunities provide a unique window of how United Way is uniquely positioned to mobilize people and resources where they’re needed most.
“United Way has this ability to see the bigger picture, bring the right people and organizations to fill gaps,” said Tucci. “I love knowing that by being involved, you’re supporting the community in different ways.”
Starting on Giving Tuesday, United Way will mobilize additional volunteer events through its annual Seasons of Giving: Winter Edition presented by U.S. Bank. At least five different nonprofits will provide volunteer opportunities, in partnership with United Way, to meet urgent community needs which may include tasks like sorting donated items, serving food, wrapping gifts, or helping select and carry holiday gift items for families. All events are free and family friendly.
Angela Hoffman belongs to both Women United and Tocqueville Society, a philanthropy group for those pledging $10,000 and above to United Way each year. She’s also eager to pitch in by volunteering when needs arise.
“We’ve been connected to so many different philanthropic organizations through United Way that are making a significant impact in the community,” said Hoffman, Senior Vice President of Finance with Black & Veatch. “I’ve seen firsthand the value they bring to individuals and families in need, and how United Way and its partners are helping people get back on their feet and bringing stability to them in trying times and difficult circumstances.”
Both Hoffman and Tucci encourage everyone in the community to give what you can—through your time, talent, or treasure—to make an impact and believe you can see firsthand how your generosity transforms lives, while also experiencing the real impact of your support.
“Do it! You’ll never regret getting involved, and you’ll get so much more out of it than you could ever imagine,” Hoffman said. “It’s a great investment of time and resources and you’ll always be proud of the difference you make through United Way and its partners.”
“You also get to meet incredible people who care about the same things you do and learn about organizations you may have not been familiar with before. There’s something for everyone,” shared Tucci.
Join United Way this holiday season for Seasons of Giving: Winter Edition presented by U.S. Bank to volunteer your time in a meaningful way: unitedwaygkc.org/events. A spring edition is also held each year in April in recognition of National Volunteer Month.
“Do it! You’ll never regret getting involved, and you’ll get much more out of it than you could ever imagine."