Recently, United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Essential Goods for Basic Needs Program distributed approximately $500,000 in essential goods donations in one week. The Essential Goods Program facilitates the donation of goods from businesses and retail partners to local nonprofits and makes these items available to those in need within the community.

Monday | Mattress Firm | 150 Mattresses
On Monday, April 10, United Way received and distributed 150 mattresses, its second in a month, from Mattress Firm with the help of Good360 and the AFYA Foundation. Good360 is a nonprofit organization that connects companies with excess goods to nonprofits and charities that can distribute them. The Afya Foundation, which collects, donates, and distributes medical and other supplies globally, hosted the event at its warehouse in Yonkers.  

Wednesday | Bombas Socks | 10,000 pairs
Then on Wednesday, April 12, Bombas delivered 10,000 pairs to United Way, which they then gave out to their nonprofit partners. Bombas is a comfort-focused sock and apparel brand that aims to help those in need. For every pair of socks purchased, one is donated. Last year, United Way of Westchester distributed $625,000 worth of socks to its community partners.

Friday | Brooklinen | 9 Pallets  
Finally, on Friday, April 14, they received nine pallets of linens, pillows, and towels from Brooklinen that were picked up by four area nonprofits for distribution to their clients. Brooklinen manufactures 5-star hotel quality bed sheets with designs that are versatile enough for any home.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors and partners, who make it possible for us to help those in need in our community," said Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. "Through our Essential Goods Program, we are able to provide essential items such as mattresses, socks, and bedding to those who may not have access to them otherwise."

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community by focusing on education, income, and health. The Essential Goods Program is just one of the many ways they work to achieve this mission.

For more information on the United Way of Westchester and Putnam ‘s Essential Goods Program, please visit https://www.uwwp.org/egbn.
 
Margaret Tramontine of United Way
Named 2023 Fundraiser of the Year

Margaret Tramontine, Chief Development Officer at United Way of Westchester and Putnam, was named the 2023 Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Development Officers (ADO) for her exceptional work in raising funds to support critical community programs. She was one of several honorees at ADO’s annual ADO Philanthropy Awards on March 22 at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown.

“To say that I am immensely humbled by this award and recognition is an understatement,” Tramontine said. “Fundraising can be a daunting challenge, yet it can also be tremendously satisfying and is an experience I have truly enjoyed.”

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in Westchester and Putnam counties by mobilizing resources to address critical needs in education, income, health and more. Tramontine's exceptional fundraising efforts have enabled the organization to provide critical support to those in need.
"We are thrilled that Margaret's exceptional work has been recognized by the ADO," said Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “Her dedication and tireless efforts to raise funds to support our programs have enabled us to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve."

Other awardees included Yvonne Tropp-Epstein of Mental Health Association of Westchester, who was named Board Member of the Year; The VNSW Foundation received the Outstanding Foundation Award; and Corporate Audio Visual Services was named Outstanding Corporate Partner. The Youth in Philanthropy Award was presented to Annabelle Newberger for her outstanding work in supporting efforts to Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), in which she organized a drive for period products.

"The ADO is proud to honor these exceptional individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact on our community through their generosity and service," said ADO Executive Director Hillary Millman. "Their work is a testament to the power of philanthropy to transform lives and strengthen communities."

United Way to Host Free Shred Day for Nonprofits
    
The United Way of Westchester and Putnam is pleased to announce that it will host a free Shred Day for local nonprofits on Wednesday, June 14th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, sponsored by Veolia, requires registration.

The event helps nonprofit organizations safely and securely dispose of sensitive papers they may have accumulated over time. Knowing these services can be expensive, United Way of Westchester and Putnam holds events like Shred Day to help nonprofit organizations save money while keeping their information safe and disposing of paper records in an environmentally friendly way.  

"We are thrilled to host this event for our local nonprofits," said Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. "We understand the importance of protecting sensitive data, and we want to help our nonprofit partners dispose of their paper records safely and responsibly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper waste is about 25 percent of all landfill waste. Hosting Shred Day is just one of the many ways we work to support our community partners and the environment."  

Last year, United Way of Westchester and Putnam hosted E-Waste Day, where 800 electronics were properly disposed of for area nonprofits.  
The event's sponsor, Veolia, is a global leader in optimized resource management. They are dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility, making them an ideal partner for United Way of Westchester and Putnam.  

Nonprofits interested in participating in Shred Day are encouraged to pre-register at www.uwwp.org/shred-day. The event will occur at the United Way of Westchester and Putnam's office at 336 Central Park Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606.

Thank You to Our Corporate Volunteers

Thanks to the MVP Health Care team for assembling our swag bags for the 2023 Nonprofit Leadership Summit!

We appreciate the volunteers at IBM who helped us fill backpacks and sort books for our education programs!

United Way is Accepting
Community Impact Grant Proposals

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is now accepting financial requests from local nonprofits to support program or operational efforts. The United Way of Westchester and Putnam Community Impact Fund supports local nonprofits serving the needs of the underprivileged, marginalized, or ALICE (those who are employed but are living paycheck-to-paycheck) populations in Westchester or Putnam Counties. United Way is offering grants between $5,000 and $10,000.  

“The United Way has a long tradition of working with and supporting the nonprofit community. Through this Community Impact grant initiative, we hope to support their ongoing efforts serving the 40% of our neighbors living in poverty or paycheck-to-paycheck,” said Tom Gabriel, President, and CEO of UWWP.

The funding can be used in two ways: 1) to support programs in the areas of education, financial stability, or health that benefit underprivileged, marginalized, or ALICE populations in Westchester or Putnam counties or 2) to support operational expenses of local nonprofits in Westchester or Putnam County whose mission relates to improving the education, financial stability, or health of underprivileged, marginalized or ALICE populations.

The submission deadline, which includes the application and the required attachments, is 5 p.m. on May 15, 2023. It can be submitted online at https://www.uwwp.org/community-impact-grant or via email at [email protected].

Scholarship Opportunity Available

Westchester County graduate students pursuing careers in social work or public health are invited to apply for scholarship assistance through the Ruth Taylor Scholarship Fund.

The fund was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as the county’s Commissioner of Public Welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of outstanding service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, the Westchester County Government, and the Urban League of Westchester County. Applicants must be residents of Westchester County and enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis.

The submission deadline is Friday, June 2, 2023, by which time the application and all supporting documents must be received.
 
Financial need, public service, and scholastic capacity are part of the evaluation criteria. Recipients must maintain the minimum cumulative university GPA for the duration of the award. Awards are issued annually, and students are eligible to apply if they have not previously received the scholarship. A change in major or enrollment status (to part-time) will result in the loss of the scholarship award.

Since 2008, United Way through the Ruth Taylor Scholarship Fund has awarded a collective total of $196,000 to 92 graduate students. Last year, the scholarship winners were: Tara Battersby of Tuckahoe, Sarah Cassidy of White Plains, and Dobbs Ferry residents Betsey Goldwasser, Maura Knackstedt, Denisse Nunez, and Nakeah Wade.

Inquiries can be directed to United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Melissa Preudhomme, Program Coordinator, via e-mail at [email protected] or download the application and cover letter at www.uwwp.org/ruthtaylorscholarships.