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United Way of Northern Arizona — How You Stepped Up for Our Youth in 2021

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2021 • Comments Off

How You Stepped Up for Our Youth in 2021

At United Way of Northern Arizona, we love sharing with you the stories that illustrate the good work we are doing with our partners to Step Up for Our Youth and Our Community.

It’s work that you make possible through your generous donations, which we then direct to proven programs and services the improve the lives of our residents in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

But sometimes, numbers can be even more impressive than stories. Sometimes they give you the full picture of the impact we are achieving together. Numbers like:

28,204 books that were distributed in the last year to young children (birth to age 8) through programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and KinderCamp.™

537 parents, caregivers, mentors and coaches who were provided with information, tools and training so they could support the development of the children under their care.

699 youths who in the past year participated in programs that helped them develop ethical values, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills (including techniques to resist peer pressure), and ways to create and foster healthy relationships.

1,057 youths enrolled in social and emotional well-being programs.

29,060 hours of mentoring.

Those are some pretty amazing numbers you made possible! Can we ask you to do it again this year with a donation to the United Way of Northern Arizona? Because when we choose to Step Up and decide to Live United, there is nothing we can’t accomplish for our children.

Thank you so much!

STEP UP FOR OUR YOUTH HERE

Save the Date for #GivingTuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 30, you can join people throughout our community who will be UNITED in action.

#GivingTuesday is the world’s largest day of giving and millions will be making a difference by donating to their favorite nonprofits.

When you choose to support United Way of Northern Arizona, you will be Stepping Up for Our Youth. Every gift to United Way, big or small, makes a huge difference. Together we can:

Create strong starts for children by supporting early childhood education.
Promote positive youth development.
Provide safe havens for vulnerable children in need.

Plus you benefit from your donation. For most single-filers, up to $300 in donations to charity are deductible on your federal taxes in 2021. For couples filing jointly, the limit is $600.

Thank you for considering UWNA for your #GivingTuesday contribution on Nov. 30.

‘Gingerbeach’ House Raffle

When the cold winds blow this winter, summon up summer sand and fun by enjoying this gingerbread house with a twist in this holiday raffle courtesy of Little America Hotel.

This beach scene comes from the creative talents of Vanessa Ronspiesis, Little America’s Pastry Chef. Vanessa says she was inspired by a “summer Santa” shopping bag that pictured Old Saint Nick enjoying the off-season. He stands on the shore in front of his beach home, watching the candy sea creatures play in the surf.

Santa’s beach house is 100% edible and took more than 52 cups of powdered sugar, 41 cups of flour, 35 egg whites and 51 pounds of candy to complete. It took Vanessa, who has worked at Little America for the past five years, 33.5 hours to build over eight weeks.

This “gingerbeach” house can be yours with the lucky raffle ticket benefiting United Way of Northern Arizona! Tickets can be purchased for $5 each, 6 for $25, 12 for $50, 24 for $100 and 48 for $200. The raffle drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 6.