United Is the Way to Getting Connected to Your Community
by Karola Ocando, Manager of Donor Engagement at United Way Broward
Summer in Broward County brings sunshine and longer days as well as inspires people to get outside and connect. And while many residents shift into vacation mode, local nonprofits face a very different seasonal reality.
Volunteer participation typically drops during the Summer months, even as the need for support rises. Food banks, shelters, youth programs, and community organizations experience staffing gaps, increased demand, and important calls for help.
As a mobilizing force in our community, United Way Broward steps in to bridge this gap. This Summer, we are encouraging people to get involved in a variety of ways to both strengthen our community and enrich own lives.
Volunteering is good for the community AND good for the volunteer. It is well-documented how being a volunteer can protect your mental and physical health, combat isolation, and even reduce mortality rates.
Summer is the perfect time to experience these benefits as well as help neighbors who need support the most. These months with longer days naturally encourage people to be active, social, and engaged. Volunteering aligns beautifully with this energy.
Many of our volunteers also describe the emotional lift in seeing the impact of their efforts. Chase Bowman, co-chair of United Way Broward’s Leaders United, says “I have seen the tangible impact of our work, met incredible people, and improved so many lives.” His experience reflects what so many volunteers discover: Giving back returns far more than the initial time invested. This sense of purpose is exactly what makes Summer volunteering so rewarding.
In the Summer, volunteering matters more than ever. Community needs don’t take a vacation, and in fact, these needs often intensify:
- food insecurity rises as children don’t have access to school meals
- shelters and community centers face staffing shortages as regular volunteers travel
- families experience financial strain from childcare costs, camps, and back‑to‑school expenses
- hurricane season increases demand for preparedness support and emergency resources
United Way Broward works year‑round to meet these needs, but Summer is when extra hands make a big difference. We offer flexible, meaningful opportunities that fit into any Summer schedule — whether someone has a free afternoon or wants to commit to a longer‑term role.
One‑Day Opportunities
Short‑term projects are perfect for families, students, company teams, and anyone looking to make an immediate impact. These events are energizing, social, and often outdoors — ideal for the Summer season. These activities help fill critical staffing gaps and ensure essential programs continue running smoothly during the Summer slowdown.
Examples include:
- packing events for meals, school supplies, and hygiene kits
- delivering care packages and gift cards to new moms, Veterans, and teachers
- helping with beautification projects at schools and community centers
Ongoing Service
For people who want deeper engagement, Summer months offer a natural window to commit to ongoing roles. Students are out of school, workplaces are more flexible, and families often look for structured activities. In these roles, volunteers build relationships and see progress over time, something especially meaningful during a season associated with growth.
Ongoing opportunities include:
- reading to elementary‑school students as part of our literacy programs
- assisting with tax preparation for households with limited incomes
- distributing school supplies to families as they prepare for back‑to‑school season
- helping Veterans access vocational services and financial stability
Donation Drives
Summer is a major season for donation drives. United Way Broward organizes donation drives supporting children, teens, Veterans, and households facing financial challenges. These drives help families stretch their budgets during a season when expenses often spike.
Examples include:
- providing school supplies for students so they will be confident and ready in August
- contributing and distributing food and household items for lower‑income households
- giving clothing and organizing hygiene kits for people at risk of homelessness
Sponsorship Donations
Summer is also a popular time for companies to sponsor community projects. Many organizations plan mid‑year giving initiatives or team‑building events to advance United Way Broward’s mission.
Sponsorships help with:
- purchasing books and school supplies
- funding materials for beautification projects
- buying household items for families in economically disadvantaged communities
- providing essential resources for people affected by hurricanes or other natural disasters
Summer is a time drawing people out of their homes and into their communities through neighborhood events, outdoor activities, family gatherings, and local celebrations. Volunteering fits naturally into this energetic atmosphere. This spirit of connection is at the heart of volunteering — and this Summer, your community needs this kind of connection more than ever.
Every volunteer effort, whether a one‑day event or a long‑term commitment, builds a stronger Broward County. When you or your company want to be a part of something greater, join us in mobilizing community resources to make Broward County a strong, healthy community so all can thrive.
Get involved today by exploring UnitedWayBroward.org/Volunteer or emailing Karola at KOcando@UnitedWayBroward.org.