United Way to host Hands On: Economic Mobility volunteer series

United Way of Greenville County will host a new series of impactful volunteer experiences this month focused on its three keys to economic mobility: Education, Financial Stability and Vibrant and Equitable Communities.

“Hands On: Economic Mobility” will take place Tuesday, May 18, through Friday, May 28, and includes meaningful volunteer opportunities, both virtual and in-person, in support of United Way’s work to increase economic mobility in Greenville County. 

“This series is a great opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the challenges we face in Greenville County, while getting hands-on to be part of the solution,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “We are so appreciative of the partnership of our sponsors and all of the volunteers who will step up to make a difference with us.” 

The series includes experiences in each of the three focus areas, starting with Education, which includes “OnTrack Greenville: Navigating Education in a Post-COVID World,” an online presentation by OnTrack Greenville Executive Director Dr. Edward Anderson on May 18 at 11 a.m. Other education-focused experiences include a donation drive to offset the cost of classroom expenses for Greenville County teachers, and opportunities to congratulate graduating high school seniors with virtual cards, or handwritten options available at Cohesive Coffee (301 Airport Rd., Greenville) or one of three Starbucks locations (Haywood Mall, Augusta Road, NOMA Square) May 14-21. 

In the area of Financial Stability, United Way will host a virtual Opportunity Fair at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 20. The arrival of COVID-19 has introduced new challenges for graduating students and those struggling to find work. To support those looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, the event will feature job interview coaching, resume writing, dress for success tips, financial coaching and community resources designed for college students, recent graduates and community members looking to reenter the workforce. 

To support Vibrant and Equitable Communities, United Way will host a communitywide “Food First” Food Drive. Nearly 64,000 people in Greenville County are considered food insecure, and over 75 percent of households receiving food assistance have children under 18. The community is invited to help address this need by donating nonperishable food items from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, May 28, at one of these sites: Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, Radiance Chiropractic (1317 W. Poinsett St., Greer) or Harris Teeter (100 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville). 

For full details on the series, including links to register and virtual graduation cards, visit www.unitedwaygc.org/hands-on-economic-mobility. 

The Hands On: Economic Mobility series is made possible by the support of these sponsors: Westminster Presbyterian Church (Series Presenting Sponsor) Canal Insurance (Presenting Sponsor for Education), UPS Inside Sales (Presenting Sponsor for Vibrant and Equitable Communities), Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORs (Supporting Sponsor for Education), Fluor Corporation, First Palmetto Bank, GE, Insight Global, ITW Hartness (Supporting Sponsors for Financial Stability), GE, Harris Teeter, JTEKT North America (Supporting Sponsors for Vibrant and Equitable Communities).