WINSTON-SALEM, NC – United Way of Forsyth County (UWFC) is rallying volunteers throughout the community to participate in a canned food drive to support Second Harvest Food Bank.
UWFC is conducting a canned food drive through June 20 for the Winston Tower building tenants and UWFC staff. Boxes will be in the lobby and ground floor of the building. Everyone in Forsyth County is encouraged to participate by donating canned food between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. UWFC’s Marketing and Engagement team will distribute these items to the Food Bank and volunteer time on June 21 , which is United Way’s Worldwide Day of Action.
Worldwide, United Way Day of Action is a snapshot of what the organization does all year long – galvanizing people around solutions to build stronger communities. Volunteers of all ages will come together to create positive change for themselves, their families and their communities.
This year, United Way Worldwide is focusing on summer learning and nutrition. Summer is a critical time for children’s academic and physical well-being. However, in too many communities, kids are falling behind in school and going hungry during the summer months.
“We are pleased to provide this opportunity to empower volunteers to build a stronger community with our Day of Action to benefit children in Forsyth County,” said Cindy Gordineer UWFC president and CEO. “Children lose more than academic knowledge over the summer. For some children, summer often means the loss of regular breakfasts and lunches.”
According to a 2012 report from the Food Research and Action Center, six out of seven children who eat a free or reduced-price school lunch during the academic year do not get a free meal during the summer.
More than 418 United Ways in 21 countries mobilized volunteers in their communities on Day of Action in 2016.