This month marks the start of one of the most important community campaigns in our organization’s history. The St. Louis region has faced unprecedented challenges, and so many people are looking for United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) to be the beacon of hope it has been for the past 103 years.
Access to basic needs and support in the aftermath of the May 16th storms are among many of our community’s recent challenges
To answer the community’s call to service, we will need historic support for the UWGSL 2025 community campaign. It will take all of us working together, donating, and being involved to spark real lasting change. It takes a deep desire to help people and an ongoing commitment from individuals, corporate partners, unions, and agencies who are willing to work hand in hand to make sure our neighbors have the support they need to succeed.
Urgent needs
Many of us love, appreciate and care deeply about our St. Louis community, and as many of our neighbors struggle, support for them is needed now more than ever.
Throughout the bi-state region, 43% of households struggle to meet their basic monthly needs, including rent, utilities, food, medical costs, and transportation. The aftermath of the May 16th storms has only exacerbated these issues.
The devastation has left our community reeling, but we can be the hope that our neighbors are searching for. Support for our past annual campaigns ensured UWGSL had the capacity to activate funds and mobilize volunteers to help people. Though these efforts were critical, many people are still feeling the weight of the devastation – access to adequate housing, electricity, food, clothing, and more continue to be a challenge for many.
Continued support for the UWGSL campaign helps us give hope to individuals and families who were struggling before and after the storms. A helping hand during difficult times can help us move our neighbors from crisis to stability.
Your generosity creates United Way success stories
It is always heartwarming to see all of the success stories that are made possible because of the community’s generous support of UWGSL, and we are honored to share some of those stories with you every month.
Because of your generosity, stories like Kevon’s miraculous adoption, Phil’s drug recovery and redemption, Ferdous’ realization of the American dream, and more are possible.
Your donations help UWGSL provide funding and support to a safety net of 160 nonprofit partner agencies that help people in the areas of basic needs, youth and early childhood success, financial mobility, health and well-being, and community stability and crisis response. Each of these areas are supported by the collective strength of our community.
Please explore our blog where you can read more about how your dollars are a making positive impact on our local neighbors.
Encourage others to get involved
It takes a village- from ourselves to neighbors, co-workers, friends and family, we all can unite in making a difference. By collectively giving together, we have an immense impact and you can share stories of lives that have been changed by the choice to generously give. Every gift makes a difference, no matter the size:
- A $5/month gift can provide an entire month of infant formula for a family in need.
- A $25 one-time donation provides 100 meals for children, families, and seniors facing hardship.
- A $500 annual gift funds 10 hours of job training or coaching, empowering someone to achieve their career goals.
Service reciprocated
Each year, UWGSL empowers the lives of over 1 million people in Missouri and Illinois. That’s 1 in 3 people across 16 counties supported by programs, services, and initiatives that help meet their immediate and long-term needs. This broad impact means that when you make a donation to UWGSL, you may be helping a loved one or a neighbor who needs your support.
YOU can even be the beneficiary of your own support – like Arica Harris, a UWGSL board member, Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) co-chair, and 2022 campaign vice chair, who received help from a UWGSL partner agency when she began having heart health issues. Or John Bookstaver, a longtime UWGSL board member, who received help for his wife and his family from a UWGSL partner agency when his wife was diagnosed with ALS.
You never know when you may need the same help you are supporting through UWGSL.
The road ahead is challenging, ensuring our neighbors have the resources and support they need along with maintaining the stability of our region are our top priorities. Support for the UWGSL campaign is crucial to helping us build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities. Unite with us and together we can multiply our impact and empower our neighbors. Visit Helpingpeople.org to make a donation, volunteer or get involved.
Take action now:
- Learn more about the UWGSL 2025 community campaign.
- Share this story with family and friends.
