At United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, we have a bold vision for the future – Onward860: United to End Poverty – uniting the 860 region and forging a new path. We will end poverty by deepening our impact in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy. We will not do this alone and cannot do it without the significant support of corporate volunteers!
E-mail: info@unitedway.org | Phone: 860.493.6800
SIGNATURE ONWARD860 VOLUNTEER EVENTS
AUGUST 15 – 16 2025
Early Childhood Care Package Project and Distribution Fair
Volunteers will assemble care packages for families with children enrolled at early child care centers or with young children ages birth-5 at home. There will also be an opportunity to distribute the care packages to the families.
Fall 2025
Housing and Homelessness Outreach and Distribution Fair
Volunteers will assemble and distribute care packages for people experiencing homelessness or who have just secured stable housing.
MARCH 6, 2026
Read Across America Day
At Read Across America Day, volunteers will read aloud to a classroom of students. Join us as we celebrate diversity while helping local children foster a love of reading.
JUNE 2026
United Way Day of Action
On or around June 21, the summer solstice, United Ways across the globe mobilize volunteers to give back to their communities. Using the extra daylight on the longest day of the year, United Way encourages philanthropists to make a difference where they live and work.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
DIAMOND Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
gold Sponsor
silver Sponsor
bronze Sponsors
RTX Technology Research Center
WHY UNITED WAY?
United Way is committed to connecting people with philanthropic ways to make a difference. We are experts in creating unique and meaningful volunteer opportunities that encourage team building and collaboration, while helping employees connect with the communities in which they work. While we may be a local organization invested in central and northeastern Connecticut, we have access to a powerful global network, making it easy to create consistency across your company’s markets.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
United Way 860Cares projects connect people and workplaces from all over the 860 region that care about creating opportunities for local individuals and families. Get involved in helping tackle some of the most important issues facing our community today by organizing a volunteer event for your team.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOUR WORKPLACE VOLUNTEERS?
- Provide unique, large-scale opportunities that connect your employees with United Way’s work
- Increased exposure to community programs, partnerships and impact
- Skills-based volunteer opportunities
- Working directly with community members
- Engage your employees and improve team building
- Connect corporate volunteers with causes they are passionate about
ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
October 2025 – May 2026
United Way Readers
United Way Readers matches a caring volunteer with a student who struggles with their reading. Volunteers will be paired one-on-one with students to read together weekly throughout the academic year with the goal of improving the child’s literacy skill
December 2025 – April 2026
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The VITA campaign offers free tax preparation and filing for eligible families. Volunteers will commit to a minimum of one, four hour shift a week throughout the tax season, helping hardworking families claim every tax credit.
STANDARD ONWARD 860 VOLUNTERR ACTIVATIONS
OCTOBER 2025
End Poverty Month
In recognition of End Poverty Month, volunteers will have several options to give back to the community. United Way will be offering off-site community projects with strategic community partners, and care package projects focused on serving those experiencing poverty.
APRIL 2026
National Volunteer Month
In recognition of National Volunteer Month, volunteers will have several options to give back to the community. United Way will be offering off-site community projects with strategic community partners, and care package projects focused on serving those experiencing poverty.