Spartanburg, S.C. (January 1, 2026) –Following a powerful showing of community service last year, United Way of the Piedmont is once again calling on residents across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties to come together for its annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026. Part of the nationwide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s legacy of giving back, MLK Day of Service has been led locally by United Way of the Piedmont for more than a decade, connecting volunteers with meaningful projects that strengthen nonprofit partners and neighborhoods. “Dr. King believed deeply in collective action and shared responsibility,” said Marissa Human, Director of Events & Projects. “This day is about honoring his legacy by showing up for our neighbors and turning service into impact.” This year’s event will again honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision by showing that United is the Way to make a difference. In 2025, more than 450 volunteers united to serve their community by cleaning trails, building playgrounds, packing period kits, and supporting nonprofits with other hands-on projects. United Way of the Piedmont expects hundreds of volunteers to once again answer the call to serve in 2026. “When our community comes together like this, the impact reaches far beyond a single day,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships and Investments. “It strengthens nonprofits, supports families, and reminds us that change happens when we choose to serve—together.” Volunteer registration is now open, and individuals, families, student groups, faith-based organizations, and corporate teams are encouraged to participate. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit uwpiedmont.org/mlkday . Our 2026 MLK Day of Service is generously sponsored by AFL.

In early November, I had the incredible opportunity to join 2,200 delegates representing 190 countries at the One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany. The annual One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Over four transformative days, we participated in speeches, panels, networking sessions, mentorships, and workshops designed to equip us with tools and connections to drive meaningful change. I attended the Summit as part of a 20-delegate United Way cohort led by United Way Worldwide President & CEO Angela F. Williams. While we learned from speakers and peers across the globe, we also connected deeply with each other as young local United Way leaders, strengthening our network and shared mission. A Vision of Hope and Innovation The Summit filled me with hope for the social impact sector and our world. Being surrounded by passionate young leaders and experienced changemakers—all focused on making our communities stronger for everyone—was truly inspiring. We heard from community and global experts on challenges and solutions spanning education, climate, technology, and more. I was struck by the innovative approaches to tackling complex issues around the world and by how deeply intertwined our experiences are, regardless of where we come from. Whether a global CEO or young entrepreneur, everyone who attended shared a common desire: to enact positive change and work toward lasting stability and peace throughout the world. As Angela Williams powerfully stated in her keynote address, "Peace begins and is carried through in human hearts–in the choices that each of us make–when we connect with each other." Carrying the Experience Forward The One Young World Summit has shaped me into a more understanding, connected person and professional. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this experience and will carry the lessons I learned forward into the work I do every day for our community. As I wrap up my time as a Summit Delegate, I am proud to join 18,000+ other leaders as a One Young World Ambassador in our continued efforts to build a better future for our world. Abby Good is United Way of the Piedmont's Director of Communications.

This fall, our community showed what it really means to show up for one another. With the recent disruption in SNAP benefits, more families than ever have been turning to local food pantries for help. It’s been a stressful time for many of our neighbors, and together, United Way of the Piedmont and our partners stepped in to make sure no one feels alone. Our Fall Food Drive is always a big effort, but this year it took on new meaning. People and companies from across our region came together: donating online, packing boxes in person, and rallying coworkers and friends. Through the Roonga virtual donation platform and in-person collections, donors gave over $56,000 in food, which funded over 1,200 complete food boxes to our neighbors in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. All donations went straight to our community partners like The Bridge at Green Street, TOTAL Ministries, and Iron City Ministries to provide immediate support. When families are trying to stretch every dollar, a full box of food can make a huge difference. And this year, those 1,200+ boxes will help carry families through the months ahead. That’s the power of coming together. When asked why this project is so special, Libby Jensen, our Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “Our community always shows up in a big way. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and neighbors, many local families have a little more comfort and a lot less stress this holiday season. This kind of care makes a real difference, not just for today, but for the months ahead.” Our 2025 Fall Food Drive reminded us of something important: when our community comes together, we really can make sure more families have what they need—not just to get by, but to move forward with hope.

The 2025–2026 Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB), a partnership between United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg Academic Movement, is made up of an inspiring group of 30 juniors and seniors from seven Spartanburg County high schools. This year’s Board Members are using their voices, insights, and strengths to make a lasting difference for youth across the community. Already, this group of YPB members have participated in a series of learning experiences such as Board Basics, Advocacy 101, Data Walk, and a Spartanburg Joint Funders Panel. Each of these experiences are designed to deepen their understanding of how philanthropy, collaboration, and data-driven decisions fuel positive community impact. Spartanburg’s Joint Funders include the Chapman Cultural Center, Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg Academic Movement, Spartanburg County Foundation, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, and United Way of the Piedmont. The panel discussion gave students firsthand insight into how Spartanburg’s funders intentionally collaborate to strengthen shared outcomes and how each organization serves as both a grantmaker and a community leader. Also this fall, the Board has put their strengths into action by participating in United Way’s Fall Food Drive. Together, they rallied their schools and youth groups to fill over 40 boxes of food for families in need, demonstrating the power of youth collaboration and compassion in action. In addition to community service, students are learning about their personal strengths–whether in academic planning, leadership roles, community service, or team collaboration–to lead with purpose. Now, Board Members are putting their learning into practice by investing in local organizations. The Board is currently accepting grant applications ($500–$1,000) to support programs that improve outcomes for youth. Priority will be given to programs that focus on: Mental & Physical Health Academic Advising Career Readiness Financial Literacy & Security Improving Relationships Substance Use Prevention Texting While Driving Special consideration will also be given to programs that include meaningful youth involvement in design or implementation. Learn more and apply for a grant → Through this work, Spartanburg’s Youth Philanthropy Board continues to model what it means to lead with empathy, collaborate for impact, and use their strengths to build a stronger community.

For many of us, there's a breakfast spot we remember from our childhood: a favorite diner, a familiar chain, or even a fast-food stop. Mine is Sugar & Spice in Spartanburg, but my family had a few places on our list of regulars. For us, eating out was a way to save time and stay connected amidst busy work schedules. We weren’t going for fancy meals–just affordable, comforting staples we could count on. So when I saw the news in recent months about some restaurants charging extra per egg due to the national egg shortage, it brought back those childhood memories. And I thought about how something as small as an egg could quickly become trouble for families with little financial cushion. It turns out, the bird flu has devastated the poultry industry, with over 145 million chickens culled since 2022 to stop its spread. The result? Egg prices have soared, hitting $4.94 per dozen this past spring with continued predictions of higher prices. For many, that’s just another inconvenience. But for the 42 % of households in South Carolina that can’t make ends meet , it’s yet another hit to a fragile budget. The rising price of everyday food items is just another hurdle for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families with income above the Federal Poverty Level but less than the cost of essentials. ALICE works hard, often at more than one job, and still falls short. In fact, in South Carolina, a family of four with two adults working as a full-time personal care aide and stock worker/order filler, which are two common jobs, earns about $12,144 less than what’s needed just to cover basics like groceries. And it’s not just certain jobs. Across our state, more than one third of workers in the 20 most common jobs–cashiers, cooks, personal care aides, stock workers–live in households that can’t afford the basics and are forced to make sacrifices just to get breakfast and other meals on the table. That’s why we do what we do at United Way of the Piedmont. Our mission helps ALICE families gain financial security and keep them from slipping into poverty over something as simple as a rising grocery bill. Because for too many families, it’s not just an extra few cents per egg. It’s another crack in the fragile foundation they’re trying to stand on. When I think back to those Sugar & Spice outings with my family, I remember more than the food. I remember the warmth of the restaurant, the kindness of the wait staff who always seemed to know our orders, and the sense of normalcy it gave us in often uncertain times. That’s what stability feels like. That’s what we’re fighting for. Together, we can make it happen. Start by exploring the data at UnitedForALICE.org/SouthCarolina to learn more about ALICE families in our community. Then, join our efforts at United Way to help build a brighter, more stable future for ALICE and all families. Nicole Collins is a former AmeriCorps VISTA Member and serves on United Way of the Piedmont's Brand Experience Committee.

Each year, United Way of the Piedmont presents the Morgan Award to a donor who exemplifies the spirit of its inscription: “One Who Cares.” This year, United Way is proud to honor Board Member Reed Brown whose quiet strength and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on our local community. Reed is not one to seek the spotlight, but his actions speak louder than words. Whether through his professional work or personal generosity, Reed consistently demonstrates what it means to lead with heart. His dedication to Cherokee County is evident in many ways, from helping establish the Benjamin E. Mays Family Resource Center to opening the doors of Brown Packing for supply drives and encouraging his employees to engage with United Way. Together with his wife Suzanne, Reed leads by example as a United Way of the Piedmont Tocqueville Society donor. When Hurricane Helene struck, Reed was among the first to respond, ensuring immediate needs were met. His service extends across many organizations, including KNOW(2)’s Education Taskforce, Girl Scouts,, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Gaffney Rotary Club. Reed embodies the spirit of community stewardship. He believes in the power of his workplace to make a difference and continually finds meaningful ways to give back. Leaders like Reed ensure more families have the resources they need to thrive and help our community grow stronger every day. United Way presented Reed with the award at their annual Leadership Reception on October 2. After receiving the award, Reed shared, “As I look around at all of you...who care so much about what is good and honorable and just and right, me being described one who cares among this group is an honor beyond measure. All of you make it easy to care, because I want to be like you.” United Way extends its congratulations to Reed Brown. His leadership reminds our community of the profound impact one person can have when they truly care.

When Hurricane Helene struck our region on September 27, 2024, the devastation was swift and widespread. But so was the response. United Way of the Piedmont, in partnership with local organizations, sprang into action to meet urgent needs. We launched the United for All Disaster Relief Fund, organized a community-wide supply drive, and mobilized volunteers to assist with cleanup and rebuilding efforts. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the tireless work of our team, we provided direct support to 690 local households, totaling more than $421,000 to help families find housing and regain stability. Long-Term Recovery: Rebuilding Stronger Disaster recovery doesn’t end when the skies clear. It’s a long journey, and United Way is committed to walking it alongside our community. That’s why we’re a core partner in the Spartanburg Long-Term Recovery Group, a coalition focused on sustained recovery and future resilience. United Way will support the group’s new Mitigation & Recovery Specialist, who will lead coordination efforts to rebuild homes and strengthen our community’s preparedness for future disasters. So far, 159 home repair applications have been approved, and we’re working diligently to move these projects forward. A Neighbor’s Story of Hope We have neighbors who are still on the path to rebuilding after the storm. One powerful example is an 82-year-old widow who was forced to evacuate her flooded home. For months, she lived in uncertainty, displaced and unsure of what the future held. Through the support of the Long-Term Recovery Group and United Way, she is now on track to have her home repaired and her life restored. Her story is just one of many that reflect the heart of this partnership: helping our neighbors recover, rebuild, and thrive. Together, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind. Support ongoing disaster recovery efforts in our community → Impacted by Hurricane Helene and need resources? Learn more →

We’re excited to share United Way of the Piedmont’s 2024–2025 Impact Update: a powerful look at how neighbors in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties are driving change together. This Impact Update is far more than numbers on a page. It’s living proof of neighbors helping neighbors, our region rising stronger, and a shared belief that United is the Way to lasting change. Over the past year, we launched a bold new brand identity with fresh visuals and a messaging framework that reflect our renewed commitment to building a community where everyone can thrive. In this Impact Update, we lean into that new identity, and you’ll see how local support is fueling meaningful breakthroughs across our four impact areas: Healthy Community : Enhancing health and well-being for all Youth Opportunity : Supporting young people to reach their potential Community Resilienc y : Tackling immediate needs and crises Financial Security : Building a stronger financial future You’ll also find new data about Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) households and see how our Community Investment Process funds critical programs throughout our community. We invite you to dive into the full update, celebrate what you’ve made possible, and join us as we shape the future of our community together. Explore the impact:

Big things are happening in Union County, and they’re being led by the people who live here. Union Uplifted is a bold, community-driven initiative working to ensure every child in Union County has the chance to thrive, from early childhood through to a strong career. Launched in 2024, it’s built on one simple belief: when you listen deeply, work together, and center the voices of the community, transformational change becomes possible. A Plan Built by the Community Union Uplifted is not a top-down program. It’s a collaborative effort grounded in the experiences and insights of Union County residents. Over the past year, local leaders have facilitated 30 community conversations, engaging over 700 people from students to seniors, church members to school staff, small business owners to public officials. These conversations are shaping a comprehensive “cradle-to-career” roadmap that reflects Union’s needs and aspirations. Why Now? When new employers like MycoWorks moved to Union, it became clear that economic growth would require more than just jobs. Workforce development is deeply connected to education, childcare, transportation, and other social supports. And Union didn’t have a strong infrastructure in place to make these connections. That’s where this work began. Thanks to a major investment from the BlackRock Foundation and leadership from organizations like Union County Schools, United Way of the Piedmont, Spartanburg Academic Movement, and Partners for Rural Impact, Union Uplifted is building the infrastructure that supports real opportunity for kids, families, and the community as a whole. Listening First, Acting Next The first phase of Union Uplifted was all about listening. Those conversations revealed: Barriers to basic resources like housing, mental health support, and safe places for kids A lack of access to enrichment programs and career prepartion for youth Community-wide calls for dignity, trust, and respect in service delivery The ongoing impact of historical inequities A deep sense of pride, resilience, and readiness for change The next phase is already underway. Local partners are working with community members to turn those insights into specific goals and actions, from kindergarten readiness to career pathways. A new steering committee will guide this process, and local champions are stepping up to lead. What Comes Next Over the next year, Union Uplifted will develop a full community plan with clear strategies, shared results, and a long-term structure to carry the work forward. This isn’t just about a one-time project, it’s about building a system that lasts. That means new partnerships and more opportunities. Above all, it means a commitment to making Union County a place where every child and family can succeed. This is just the beginning. Union Uplifted is a story still being written, by the people of Union, for the future of Union. Learn more here →