Special Events

In addition to our annual Community Impact Fund grants and programs in education, income and health, United Way of SLO County is pleased to offer the following ongoing programs, supporting nonprofits, youth, families, donors and volunteers.

Annual Recognition Event – To say thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, donors and corporate and agency partners, our annual reception was held on June 17, 2010 at the Dallidet Adobe & Gardens and honored several individuals and businesses that have worked with United Way this past year. For a list of this year’s honorees, click here. To view photos of the event, click here.

KidSpree & Stuff the School Bus – We are excited to announce that this year, both of these events returned to SLO County, bigger and better than ever. On Sunday, July 25, over 160 children came to Kohl’s in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo to shop for new school clothes. United Way collected donations in the community which provided a $100 gift card to every child, who then went shopping with a volunteer from the community. The event was a great success. And from August 13-20, our second annual Stuff the School Bus event was held at all three Office Max locations throughout the county. Volunteers collected new school supplies and, literally, stuffed a big, yellow bus in Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. Collected donations went towards helping support local teachers and students as they begin the new school year. Mark your calendars for KidSpree 2011 on Sunday, July 23 and Stuff the Bus 2011 from August 12-19th.

Make a Difference Day – Make a Difference Day is a national day of service, organized locally by the Community CENTER at Cal Poly and United Way of SLO County. Hundreds of volunteers come out to support our local nonprofits by helping with hands-on projects such as painting, gardening, light maintenance, cleaning or just visiting with clients. Projects last approximately 4 hours on the fourth Saturday of October; this year’s event will be on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Check back for more updates or to learn how to become a sponsor for the event, call (805) 541-1234.

Share A Tree – Each December, United Way works with our local Target store, community groups, volunteers and donors to bring some extra seasonal cheer to families in need. Participating families receive an artificial, pre-decorated holiday tree, presents and gift cards to enjoy, while volunteers receive the joy, smiles and warm hugs from families when the goodies are delivered. For questions or to donate or volunteer, please contact the United Way office.