United Way to host week of service events

United Way of North Idaho is inviting community members to help celebrate the organization’s 60th anniversary during United Way Week, Sept. 11 to 17.

Seven distinct events are planned to spotlight the value of service, collaboration, and community.

The week commences with the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Across the nation, Americans will unite in service in the same way that so many came together following the 9/11 attacks of 2001.

United Way North Idaho invites community members to sign up to volunteer to support the many community groups and nonprofits organizations that work every day to improve lives. Visit VolunteerUnited.org to sign up or see volunteer opportunities.

Fundraising and supply drives run throughout the week: project supplies to support the Day of Caring on Tuesday, diapers to benefit struggling families with infants on Wednesday, and shelf-stable foods to supplement local food banks on Thursday.

The Day of Caring on Sept. 14 is the area’s largest one-day volunteer event, matching corporate and civic volunteers with local nonprofit agencies to tackle projects large and small.

United Way invites community members to coffee and conversation about childcare, preschool and school readiness on Friday Sept. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Calypsos Coffee.

Saturday’s event is a Teddy Trash Pick Up: select a location, fill a bag with litter, and post it to social media. Sign up on TheTheodores.org website, or simply pick up trash and share it with the world. Don’t forget to tag UWNI on Facebook or Twitter, and use the hashtag #NorthIdahoCares.

The 12th annual Teeing Up for Kids Golf Tournament finishes the week, with all funds supporting the kindergarten readiness programs. Sponsored by UPS, the tournament will be held at The Club at Rock Creek.

For the full calendar and information, look for daily ads in The Press or visit www.UnitedWayofNorthIdaho.org.

Beginning in 1957, United Crusade of Kootenai County ran door-to-door fundraising efforts for local charities. United Way’s scope today has grown to not only support nonprofits, but also to bring people and organizations together around innovative solutions to create lasting change. United Way of North Idaho’s mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every North Idaho community.