09/24/2026
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Join United Way in Building What’s Next for Adams County
Community generosity fuels the programs, partnerships, and resources that expand opportunity and choices for people across Adams County.
DECATUR, Ind., Sept. 23, 2026 - United Way of Adams County is kicking off its 2026-2027 Annual Campaign, inviting individuals and workplaces to be an active part of growing local impact. United Way of Adams County brings people, organizations, and resources together to expand opportunity for local children and families, especially hardworking households that struggle to meet their most essential needs. Gifts of every size help make that work possible.
Community generosity made a direct difference for local families this past year. Through Clothe-a-Kid, the flagship program of United Way of Adams County’s Kids Strong in Adams County initiative, 208 children received new clothes and shoes for the 2026-2027 school year. As part of United Way of Adams County’s 2025 holiday program, now known as Christmas Angels, 500 children and their parents experienced financial relief and Christmas joy.
Philanthropic contributions also reach the community through United Way of Adams County’s partners. Over the past two years, United Way has invested $106,500 in health and human services organizations advancing youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency. Grants made in 2026 are strengthening learning and youth mental wellness, increasing access to healthy food, improving case management and community coordination, supporting mental health, and helping households facing financial hardship.
“It is through community generosity and collaboration that we create more opportunities for people to thrive,” said Jessica Thieme, Executive Director of United Way of Adams County. “Every person or organization that gives or gets involved helps us strengthen collaborative impact and expands choices for local families. United is the Way to a stronger Adams County.”
There is more work ahead. According to the latest data on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households from United For ALICE, two out of five hardworking households in Adams County struggle to afford essentials such as food, housing, healthcare, childcare and transportation. Continued community generosity and collaboration helps ensure these families can meet today’s needs, opens doors to new opportunities, allows individuals to contribute their talents, and prepares our entire community to respond during emergencies.
Give or Get Involved
Anyone can be a part of strengthening Adams County.
To give directly, individuals and families can make a one-time or recurring gift at unitedwayofadamscounty.com, mail or drop off a donation at the United Way of Adams County office at 218 E. Monroe Street in Decatur, or sponsor a family through United Way programs.
Local businesses and organizations can also bring United Way to work. Workplace campaigns give employees opportunities to learn about local needs, give, and get involved while strengthening employee engagement and connection to the community. The workplace campaign season officially kicks off September 23. United Way of Adams County works with employers to create a campaign that fits each team. Contact Jessica Thieme at 260-728-2056 to learn more and get started.
Applications are now open for Christmas Angels, formerly known as Angel Tree. The program provides holiday gifts for qualifying Adams County children from birth through eighth grade. Families can apply online at unitedwayofadamscounty.com or pick up a paper application at the United Way office, 218 E. Monroe Street in Decatur. Applications are due November 24. All applications will also be considered for the Adams County Fraternal Order of Police Shop with a Cop® program. No separate application is needed. Community members who want to give back can select a family to sponsor by visiting the United Way office after Thanksgiving. Individuals and families can also sign up as bell ringers for the holiday season.
About United Way of Adams County
Part of the global United Way network, United Way of Adams County is an independent 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that has served Adams County since 1991. United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive, and it achieves this through a combination of direct programs, community investments, its Day of Caring, and advocacy efforts that advance youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency in Adams County. For more information about United Way of Adams County, visit unitedwayofadamscounty.com or call 260-728-2056.
Media Contact
Jessica Thieme
Executive Director
United Way of Adams County
260-728-2056
[email protected] # # #
Send a message to learn more
