In a guest Seattle Times editorial, United Way of King County CEO, Jon Fine, and Board Chair, Dan Fulton, “see a community brimming with creativity about how to make things better for those who are struggling” and call on people to resolve to do what they can to help their neighbors in need. Read the full editorial.

“Token days are not the ebb and flow of life.  They ease our feelings of regret about the way things have to be for the remainder of the year.  They do not really change the way things are.”–Jonathan Kozol, “The Shame of the Nation”

Last Friday was Day of Caring, my 13th with United Way of King County.  I was among about 300 volunteers (there were over 10,500 total throughout the county) that spent the day at Qwest Field for the Community Resource Exchange.  In…

Last year Microsoft licensing specialist Forrest Marshall participated in United Way of King County’s Day of Caring to give back to his community and to have fun with his co-workers.

He never dreamed a day of volunteering would lead to a free Holland America cruise.

Marshall won the cruise during a prize drawing at the Day of Caring after party. He was enjoying “amazing food, drink and great people” at the event when he heard his named called as the cruise winner.

“I have never…

Day of Caring volunteers not only get to enjoy free food, drinks, Sea Gals and the fresh grooves of DJ Tecumseh at the Day of Caring After Party, they have the chance to win some really cool prizes. Two tickets to the September 15 Pink concert at Key Arena, a Microsoft Zune, a Holland America cruise for two and more are up for grabs.

Volunteers: be sure to wear your Day of Caring t-shirt. It’s your ticket to the After Party. If you…

Back in early July, United Way of King County’s Climb for the Community raised awareness and money to help meet the basic needs of those squeezed by the hard economy. To celebrate the successful summit of Mount Rainier, the Seahawks will hoist the 12th MAN Flag in honor of the Climb at tonight’s September 3 pre-season game against the Oakland Raiders. The flag-raising is a celebration of all that the Climb has made possible—in stocking area food banks, bolstering delivery of nutritious meals for…

On Friday, September 11, take part in a day of hope and unity—a day of change and action. Sign up now to be part of United Way of King County’s Day of Caring!

Day of Caring is the largest single day of volunteering in Washington state. Last year, we connected over 8,600 volunteers from 109 companies with 417 service projects throughout King County.

Your team might build affordable housing, add a fresh coat of paint to a daycare center or clear a path on a…

KOMO 4 News ran a great story about our Community Resource Exchange, which featured Rick Mascarenas, a man who lost his job, became homeless and is working to get back on his feet. Click here to watch the clip.

You may notice a guy in an orange shirt with glasses who seems to be helping out Rick. That’s Michael Benneke, our communications director at United Way of King County. Here’s more about Rick, as told by Michael.

I had the privilege of…

Qwest Field is usually the home of raccous Seahawks fans or Sounders FC supporters. But today, a different crowd of people will be walking through the doors.

Today Qwest Field Plaza will host United Way of King County’s Community Resource Exchange. The event connects thousands of people experiencing homelessness in our region with the services and resources they need, in one place, on one day.

It’s an amazing event that makes a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.

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Congratulations to the Sounders FC on their first regular season win at Qwest Field!

Speaking of the stadium, even though the football season is over, the Seahawks continue to show support for United Way of King County with a new Qwest Field poster bringing attention to the issue of homelessness. You can see it in the background of this photo.

The Sounders FC are showing a special in-stadium United Way ad that encourages people to give, volunteer and take action to improve the community.…