United Way of Acadiana's Annual Day of Action results

Posted: Jun 21, 2012 12:33 PM by Press Release
Updated: Jun 22, 2012 12:06 PM

More than 500 volunteers mobilized on Thursday, June 21st as part of United Way of Acadiana's 18th Annual Day of Action.

"Day of Action is a day to do for others," explained Keler Williams, United Way of Acadiana Director of Volunteer Mobilization. "It is one day where hundreds of volunteers are mobilized throughout our communities to complete meaningful volunteer opportunities that support our PACT United."

Projects focused on education, earnings, and essentials, the three pillars of the PACT United. Projects included reading to children, teaching 'Budget Buddy' financial savings and budgeting courses to 9-13 year olds, "stuffing the bus" with school supplies for local children, training community members to become 'Money Smart' coaches, gardening, sorting food, and more.

BBR Creative was the host of "Stuff the Bus" and
collected more than 1,500 items and $400 in cash donations, which will go to the United Way of Acadiana.

The day ended in the following UNITED results for Acadiana:

EDUCATION: to help more children graduate on time

* 585 children participated in themed shared reading experiences

* 200 Summer Smarts totes prepared to distribute to children in summer programs

* 230 children received Career Coaching tips to help shape their future

* Countless school supplies collected!

EARNINGS: to help more families become financially stable

* 230 children were taught money management skills

* 43 individuals are trained Budget Buddies

ESSENTIALS: to help neighbors meet their basic needs

* 8 projects to support our Essentials initiative were completed (community gardens, preparing and serving meals, repacking and preparing food boxes)

* 3 companies hosted internal food drives
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PICTURED: Lafayette Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pat Cooper stopped by for Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive as part of the United Way's 2012 Day of Action.