Baby Bundles
A new program added in 2003 to assist families in need. Through the collection and distribution of baby food and supplies to local agencies, low-income expectant mothers throughout Somerset County are provided infant necessities. more...

STAR Awards
Every year during National Volunteer Week in April, United Way recognizes those individuals who have made a difference in our communities with the annual STAR Awards reception (STAR is an acronym for Sharing Time And Resources). Hosted by United Way and the Courier News, this annual event not only thanks those who have given of their time and talents, but also serves to increase public awareness of the areas of need and the volunteer opportunities that exist within our community. In April 2003, more than 500 volunteers were recognized for their service. more...

Earth Day
In 2003, United Way added a new program to promote volunteer opportunities in connection with Earth Day. More than 550 corporate and community volunteers are matched with 20 nonprofit organizations in central New Jersey for one-day conservation and Earth-friendly projects. more...

Youth Earth Day
This program promotes youth volunteer opportunities in connection with Earth Day. Child and teen volunteers will be matched with nonprofit organizations in central New Jersey for one-day conservation and Earth-friendly projects. more...

Party In The Park
This annual event features family activities, entertainment and informative exhibits that encourage people to volunteer as a family. The Somerset County Park Commission co-sponsors this event, held at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater.

Over The Rainbow
Helping children start the school year off right is the goal of this program. Every summer, donations of new clothing and school supplies are collected for students in need throughout the county. In 2002, more than 22,000 new school supplies and clothing were collected for elementary and middle school children of low-income families. The donated items were distributed to 3,440 students at 40 schools throughout Somerset County. more...

Day of Caring
Sponsored by Somerset County United Way, this annual event connects individuals and employees from area businesses and corporations with a specific one-day volunteer project at a local nonprofit agency. Projects may include painting, helping with food and clothing drives, tutoring children, landscaping, or entertaining seniors. Not only does this program provide agencies with the hands needed to complete a project, it helps to inform the public of the needs of the community by allowing volunteers to see for themselves the critical functions provided by the agencies they visit. In September 2003, more than 1,400 volunteers from 28 companies helped over 50 nonprofit agencies with 126 projects. more...

Youth Make a Difference Day
This program promotes one-day youth volunteer opportunities that make it easy, convenient, and fun for individuals, families and youth groups to offer up their free time and skills to help our community. more...

Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner
Bringing together people from all religious traditions during the American holiday of Thanksgiving to promote greater religious and cultural understanding. more...

National Family Volunteer Day
Annual day-long event to encourage and engage families to in community-service projects. Held for the first time in 2002, more than 200 family members assisted local nonprofit agencies with a myriad of volunteer projects. more...

Gifts of the Season
In November and December, the Somerset County United Way partners with the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the Somerset County Board of Social Services to collect and distribute holiday gifts and meals for low-income individuals and families. In 2003, 8,466 gifts valued at $211,650, were donated by employees of 92 local companies and sorted for distribution by more than 250 volunteers. more...

Wrapped in Love
Schools and youth groups are invited to help share the warmth this winter with those less fortunate by collecting donations for this annual coat drive that takes place in November and December. Donations will be sorted by volunteers and then distributed to participating families in need through our Gifts of the Season program. In 2003, 26 schools and youth groups and 16 businesses participated by collecting more than 3,300 coats and winter apparel items. Details and Registration...

*For any additional information about these events please call (908) 725-6640 or email info@uwscty.org.