The Math Nobody Talks About, But Everybody Needs to Know
September 21, 2026
Picture a parent in the school supply aisle in early August, list in hand, doing the math before picking up a single item. Pencils, two dollars. Folders, three for a dollar. A three-ring binder, four dollars. A backpack built to survive a school year, twenty-five dollars or more. The list is longer than the budget. Something has to come off it.
This parent is probably working. Full time, maybe two jobs. Across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, more than four in ten households cannot cover the cost of basics. Many of them are working full-time.
There is a number behind that parent's math, and it is bigger than a school supply list. In South Carolina, a family of four needs $76,908 a year to cover housing, food, childcare, transportation, and health care. The federal poverty level for that same family is $31,200. Here is what it takes locally:
- Cherokee County - $74,484
- Spartanburg - $79,080
- Union - $70,548.
That number climbs faster than paychecks do. The ALICE Essentials Index tracks the cost of the basics: rent, groceries, gas, childcare, health care. In South Carolina, those costs rose 6.3% a year between 2021 and 2024. From 2007 to 2019, the annual increase was 2.9%. Essentials have been outpacing wages here for most of two decades.
Meet ALICE
United For ALICE has a name for the households caught in that gap. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are households that earn above the federal poverty line but below the cost of basic needs in their area.
ALICE individuals are the childcare providers who take care of your children before they can afford full-time care for their own. They’re the home health aides, the delivery drivers, and the cashiers who ring up your groceries. They are working hard, but the math still doesn’t work out. Because their income sits just above the poverty line, they often do not qualify for the assistance that would help them close it.
Every month brings a choice. The heating bill or the groceries. Childcare or fewer hours at work so someone can be home with the kids. At the start of every school year, for thousands of families across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, that choice becomes school supplies or something else that cannot wait.
School Supply Drive: Lower impact, same need
This is why United Way of the Piedmont runs United for Students, our community-wide school supply drive. It exists so that choice does not have to happen.
This summer, corporate partners and community members sent more than 1,800 students across our region into the school year with what they needed, backed by nearly $65,000 in donated supplies. That support made a significant difference for all those students.
Here is the part worth sitting with, though. Last year the drive reached 2,890 students across all three counties. This year it reached about 1,875. While need stayed where it was, support fell.
A backpack is a small thing to hang a big truth on, but it holds it well. It is the same survival budget math, scaled down to one child and one first day of school. The good news is that the gap closes the same way it opened, one household at a time, and the next chance is already on the calendar.
Next aisle over
United for Families, our Fall Food Drive, runs mid-October through mid-November across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. Same families, same paycheck-to-paycheck math, different aisle. Groceries instead of glue sticks.
You can give a food box (more details coming soon!), or give online to United Way of the Piedmont. Volunteer to sort donations, load a truck, or staff a corporate pick-up. Advocate by sharing ALICE data with your workplace, inviting them to host a company collection, or pointing them to UnitedForALICE.org/SouthCarolina to see the numbers themselves.
That parent is still in an aisle somewhere, doing the math on this month's groceries instead of last month's school supplies. The backpack got packed this year because enough people gave. Together we can change what the math adds up to this fall.
This month, thousands of students across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties headed back to the classroom. Many of these students’ families in our region work hard and still struggle to cover the basics — let alone school supplies. Over four in ten households in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties earn their paychecks and still cannot cover basic expenses. In response to this need, United Way of the Piedmont rallied the community through its annual United for Students School Supply Drive, ensuring that students across our tri-county footprint started the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Thanks to the generosity of corporate partners and community members, over 1,800 students received essential school supplies this year, backed by almost $65,000 in donated supplies. That is real support landing in real classrooms across our region. Here is how it broke down by county: Cherokee County: 3 corporate partners contributed over $5,200 in supplies to support 131 students. Spartanburg County: 32 corporate partners contributed over $51,000 in supplies, supporting 1,543 students and their classrooms. Union County: 5 corporate partners contributed over $8,300 in supplies, benefitting 201 students and their classrooms. The need in our community continues to grow, and there is room for even more businesses, organizations, and individuals to join this effort next year. Every new partner means more students starting the school year fully equipped. United Way’s School Supply Drive mobilizes local businesses, organizations, and individuals to collect and donate supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and backpacks. The goal is simple: to relieve the financial burden on families and help every child thrive academically. "Every backpack packed and every notebook donated makes a real difference for a student on the first day of school," said Marissa Human, Director of Engagement & Events. "Our corporate and community partners see this need firsthand in their own communities, and they show up for it year after year. That kind of local commitment is what makes this drive work." United Way is deeply grateful to the many local companies, volunteers, and community members who stepped up to make this year’s drive a success. Want to be part of next year's drive? Contact Marissa Human at mhuman@uwpiedmont.org .
When I applied and was accepted for the opportunity to become a 2026 Bank of America Student Leader, I had high expectations for myself, such as furthering my career readiness skills, networking, and so on. I went into my United Way of the Piedmont internship with the mentality of becoming a better individual and came out with a new perspective I did not necessarily expect: a different way of viewing my Upstate community, Bank of America, and my own future. After a three-day summit and five-week internship, I now have an even stronger viewpoint that success is not only measured by earning good grades or "climbing the corporate ladder." It is about achieving peace and having the strength to go above and beyond. Every class, leadership role, and new experience has strengthened my confidence and reminded me that growth comes with intentionality and hands-on practice. From the first day of the Student Leaders Summit to every day as an intern at United Way of the Piedmont, I made a promise to myself to show up with a smile and an open mind. Every conversation, meeting, and event became an opportunity to learn. That mindset introduced me to people whose experiences, careers, and perspectives were incredibly inspiring. I met nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and fellow Student Leaders who not only encouraged me but also positively challenged me to think differently about leadership and service. My role at the United Way of the Piedmont was a grant writer intern. I learned how to research, report, and write grants, while also having the privilege to gain insight on community development, finance, brand exposure, and donor networks. As a Business Administration student at Winthrop University, I continue to explore careers centered around operations, healthcare management, and community partnerships. I am passionate about creating environments centered around impactful missions. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that leadership begins with people. Whether I have been working in customer service, participating in campus organizations, or volunteering in my community, I have found that navigating setbacks and being able to pivot are two great learning experiences that are natural and needed in all sectors of life. I enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds because every conversation taught me something new. Those interactions have helped me become a better community advocate and teammate. Looking ahead, I know there is still so much to learn. I hope to keep serving through leadership positions and professional experiences that allow me to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve. When I reflect on my past, I see growth. When I look at my present, I see opportunities. When I think about my future, I see purpose. I have a bright future in front of me and look forward to the opportunities ahead.
For the second year in a row, United Way of the Piedmont partner AFL has raised the bar for workplace giving in the region. The company's 2026 “Imagine That” campaign raised $1.7 million that will benefit numerous local charities . AFL is the first company in United Way of the Piedmont's history to raise more than $1 million in a single workplace campaign—first in 2025 and —again in 2026. In 2025, employee gifts and a corporate match together made this milestone possible. In 2026, employee gifts alone exceeded $1 million. Gifts from associates at all AFL locations were matched by AFL’s Community Outreach program, which provides grants, sponsorships, associate engagement projects, disaster relief and more. This year's AFL campaign focused on food insecurity among children. In Spartanburg County, 42% of households cannot afford basic needs like housing, food, childcare, and transportation. Rising costs are making it harder for families to stretch every dollar. United Way of the Piedmont connects the people, programs, and resources that make lasting change possible across Spartanburg County and our region. By funding local programs that address needs like food insecurity, United Way helps build stability for working families to get ahead. “We’re so grateful to AFL for investing boldly in our community and beyond,” shared Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO. “Our neighbors and their children are more secure because of this generosity.” United Way also recognized AFL President & CEO Jaxon Lang with the Chairman’s Award for his visionary, community-focused leadership at the annual United in Leadership Breakfast in June. About AFL Founded in 1984, AFL is a global manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, broadband, data center, AI and industrial markets. With products in over 130 countries, AFL specializes in fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission/compression and substation accessories, connectivity solutions, fusion splicers, and test and inspection equipment. Guided by Customer-Focused and Community-Centered values and a strong commitment to safety, the company operates manufacturing facilities worldwide and provides a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions supporting network infrastructure, data centers, service providers, wireless and power grid modernization. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com .
United Way of the Piedmont's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program completed its most productive season on record, preparing 2,394 free tax returns and returning $3,570,162 directly to households across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties in 2026. Both figures represent all-time highs for the program, which has operated since 2004. VITA provides free, IRS-certified tax preparation to households earning $67,000 or less per year. Trained volunteers prepare returns at no cost, helping families claim every credit and refund they have earned. This includes the Earned Income Tax Credit, which many eligible households miss when they go without professional filing help. "This is money these families deserve to get back and often need for stability," said April Person-Booker, VITA Program Coordinator. "Without free tax preparation, money often goes unclaimed or gets eaten up in filing fees. This season, more households in our three counties got what they were owed." The VITA program serves as a direct expression of UWP's lead strategic priority: financial security for every household. A single successful tax filing can provide a meaningful financial buffer for a family living paycheck to paycheck. These are funds that go toward rent, groceries, car repairs, or building savings. This season's results were made possible by 77 trained volunteer tax preparers who contributed nearly 550 hours of service across the tri-county area. Households interested in free tax preparation through VITA outside of tax season can email communityimpact@uwpiedmont.org or call 864-582-7556 and ask for April Person-Booker. Interested in volunteering with VITA? We’ve got a variety of options for next tax season. Find out more →
Each year, our United in Leadership Breakfast is one of our favorite moments on the calendar. It's a chance to pause, look around the room, and recognize the companies and organizations whose commitment makes our mission possible. Their generosity creates true change across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, and we don't take that for granted. This year's honorees represent the very best of what partnership looks like. From workplace campaigns that go above and beyond to individuals who pour themselves into their communities — these are the people and organizations that make United Way work. We're proud to introduce the 2026 United in Leadership Award Winners: Circle of Excellence Awarded to best practice workplace campaigns Cate & Brough, P.A. Founders Federal Credit Union Lockhart Power McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Spartanburg Housing William Barnet & Son, LLC New Business Partner of the Year: Union County Schools Large Business Partner of the Year: Timken – Tyger River Small Business Partner of the Year: Hubbard-Hall Public Service Partner of the Year: Spartanburg Water Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Laurel Hurtt, Spartanburg School District 5 Chairman's Award: Jaxon Lang, AFL Thank you to every winner, every nominee, and every partner who shows up for our community year after year. We are proud to celebrate you and even prouder to do this work alongside you.
Union Uplifted, a cradle-to-career initiative with United Way of the Piedmont serving as the lead partner organization, has named its first Executive Director. Joey Haney, retired Union County Schools Superintendent, will step into the role beginning July 13. Union Uplifted grew from more than two years of deep listening across Union County: 26 community conversations, more than 850 residents who shared their hopes and concerns, and 39 community champions who stepped forward to help shape the work. It is a partnership anchored by Union County School District, United Way of the Piedmont, and Spartanburg Academic Movement, with partners from healthcare, business, higher education, government, faith communities, and the nonprofit sector. Guided by the StriveTogether framework, Union Uplifted is designed to ensure that every child in Union County has the support they need from prenatal through career.
When United Way of the Piedmont established the Spartanburg Youth Philanthropy Board in 2014, the idea was straightforward: give high school students a seat at the table, let them learn how community investment works, and trust them to lead. More than a decade later, the 2025-2026 Board showed what that idea looks like in action. This year's Board brought together 26 members from seven high schools across six school districts, logging more than 215 hours of service across our community through the Fall Food Drive, MLK Day of Service, the OneSpartanburg Internship Fair, and the Spring Breakout, held in partnership with the City of Spartanburg and Spartanburg Academic Movement. Along the way, they invested $5,000 into six local youth-serving programs through a grant process they helped run, including conducting the interviews themselves. Fifteen seniors graduate this year, most of whom gave two years to this work. Their commitment reflects something broader about what YPB has always been built on: that young people need roles and space to lead in our community.
On May 19, we honored the volunteers who make our work possible during our annual Volunteer Celebration. Presented by the Timken Company, the event recognized individuals and teams whose service continues a 90‑year legacy of impact across the region. “At United Way of the Piedmont, our vision is a community where everyone thrives. For 90 years, that vision has held because people chose to show up for one another.” shared Angela Halstead, Board of Directors Chair-Elect. “That commitment shows up in bold ways and quiet ones: through volunteers who lead with heart, partners who collaborate for greater impact, and investments that help families build financial security.” United Way extends our deepest gratitude to the incredible people who have united in service with us, and we congratulate each of this year’s outstanding award recipients. 2026 Volunteer Celebration Award Winners Women United Award: Lucy Woodhouse Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Society Award: Pierre Brewton Walter S. Montgomery Young Leader Award: Amanda Champion Advocate of the Year: Joey Haney Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Carey Rothschild Community Partner Award: A Place to Call Home & The Faith Initiative to End Child Poverty We also recognized the following groups that gave their time to our programs and investments this past year: Board of Directors AmeriCorps Members Community Investment Process Volunteers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Volunteers Together, these volunteers, donors, and partners made a true difference for our community. Explore volunteer opportunities →
Shay Smith, Community Resource Coordinator Supervisor and Lead Coordinator for United Way of the Piedmont’s work in Cherokee County, is passionate about building relationships that help families move forward. Through her role, she works closely with local partners, organizations, and residents to strengthen community connections and expand access to critical resources. Her work reflects our commitment to collaboration, ensuring that families across Cherokee County have the support they need to thrive. As a Lead Coordinator in Cherokee County, Shay helps bring community partners together to address local needs and move collaborative solutions forward. From supporting families with budgeting guidance and connecting them to resources, to training and leading a team of Community Resource Coordinators, her work helps advance our focus on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Health, and Community Resiliency. Living and working in Cherokee County has made the impact even more meaningful for her. She gets to see firsthand partners providing food, parenting resources, shelter, and financial support . “When we can help families connect to resources or stabilize an urgent need, it gives them the opportunity to take a breath and begin planning for their future. Sometimes just one connection can make a family’s journey a little easier.”
Five new members are joining United Way of the Piedmont’s Board of Directors. Representing our region across multiple sectors, counties, and backgrounds, each Board Member uniquely strengthens the United Way reach and mission. Welcome to the new members of the Board: Dr. Lacresha Byrd, Union County Schools Chunsta Miller, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Al Swanson, AFL Cal Wicker, Pinnacle Financial Partners Francisca Yanez, Contec, Inc. United Way also thanks all departing Board Members for their years of dedicated service: Donda Bishop, AFL Jennifer Cash, Synovus Bank Shaunté Evans, Spartanburg Housing Mitch Kennedy, City of Spartanburg Beth Lancaster, Spartanburg District 7 Angela Halstead of Coldwell Banker Caine has served on the Board for 4 years and will serve as the new Board Chair. She shares, "As a Board Member, I have loved seeing the impact United Way makes across all ages and every walk of life, whether it's providing critical assistance to those who need it or offering donors and volunteers a chance to be part of something truly collaborative. Very few organizations are able to touch so many lives, and I’m honored to serve as Board Chair and continue my part in this mission.” View United Way’s full Board of Directors →
