United Way of Central Florida

09/03/2026

September is Disaster Preparedness Month, a reminder that knowing where to turn for help is an important part of being ready.

Before, during or after a disaster, 211 can connect you with local resources and support, including emergency shelter, food assistance and other essential community services.

Keep 211 information handy as part of your emergency plan:
Call: 211
Text: Your ZIP code to 898-211
Email: [email protected]

Save it. Share it. Make sure your family knows where to turn when help is needed.

09/02/2026

Ask a ReadingPal volunteer why they keep coming back, and you'll hear the same thing again and again—it's about the relationships.

Watching a child gain confidence, celebrate a new word, or proudly finish a book is an experience that stays with you long after the hour is over.

You can make that kind of difference, too.
💙 Join our ReadingPals family at UWCF.org/ReadingPals.

08/31/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Brian Norris! 💙

Today we're celebrating Brian Norris of Taylor Oil, a dedicated member of the United Way of Central Florida Board of Directors, past Highlands County Campaign Chair, past Highlands County Advisory Board Chair, and Leadership Giving Association member.

Brian's years of leadership and commitment to serving the tri-county area have helped strengthen our region and inspire others to give back. We are grateful for his generosity, volunteer leadership, and unwavering support of United Way's mission.

Thank you, Brian, for all you do to help create a stronger tri-county area. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a year filled with happiness and success!

08/28/2026

Healthy habits = healthy minds 💙

Helping kids build strong daily routines can boost their emotional well-being and set them up for success in school and beyond.

Start small with these simple habits:
✅ Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
🥦 Fuel up with healthy foods
⚽ Make time for daily movement

These everyday choices help children manage stress, build resilience and feel their best.

Florida KidCare supports your child’s total wellness with access to physicals, mental health services and more—all through free and low-cost coverage options.

👉 Apply today at floridakidcare.org or call 1-888-540-KIDS

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

For more than 20 years, United Way of Central Florida has been honored to help carry Dolly Parton’s vision into homes across Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Over the years, as many as 2,500 local children at a time have received free, age-appropriate books, helping families build home libraries and inspiring a love of reading before kindergarten.

We are deeply grateful for Dolly’s extraordinary heart for children and literacy.

Thank you, Dolly, for helping our children dream bigger, one book at a time. ❤️

Dolly Parton gave the world songs people knew by heart.

Through her Imagination Library, she also gave millions of children something to hold in their hands: a book of their own.

What began as the idea of mailing a free, age-appropriate book to a child every month grew into a global movement helping children discover the joy of reading from the very beginning.

Since 2009, United Way has been proud to help carry that vision into communities, partnering with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library so more children could grow up with books of their own.

Dolly’s work showed how something as simple as a book could open a door to possibility. Her generosity and belief in children have helped shape generations of young readers.

We honor Dolly’s remarkable life, her friendship with United Way and the generations of young readers whose lives will continue to be shaped by the stories she helped place in their hands. Thank you, Dolly. ❤️

Our full remembrance of Dolly and the legacy she helped build: https://untdwy.org/4hOThrk

08/25/2026

Becoming a ReadingPal Is Easy!

Making a difference starts with just three simple steps:
📚 Complete the ReadingPals interest form.
✅ Complete the Polk County Schools volunteer application.
🎓 Attend a volunteer training.

Before you know it, you'll be helping a child build confidence through reading.
👉 Take the first step today at UWCF.org/ReadingPals.

08/24/2026

When our community comes together, incredible things happen.

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Every family deserves the chance to achieve financial stability. Every neighbor deserves to feel supported.

Together, we're building a stronger, healthier community for all.

United is the Way. 💙💛

08/21/2026

Unwind your mind 💙

Back-to-school season can be stressful—but your child’s mental health matters. Florida KidCare offers free and low-cost coverage that includes mental health support for kids.

👉 Apply today: floridakidcare.org