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seriously.
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Skip the fees and get your full refund!
MyFreeTaxes helps people file their federal and state taxes for FREE,
finds all the tax credits and deductions you qualify for
and it’s brought to you by United Way.
For more information go to myfreetaxes.com to get started!
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Our February Urgent Needs Grant Recipient,
Reach of Washington County.
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Pictured left to right are Reach Executive Director, Jeannie Asbury; Reach Director of Housing & Case Management, Jill Zamostny, and United Way Director of Community Impact & Investment, Kelli Tencer. | |
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Reach of Washington County has provided Cold Weather Shelter services since 1996 to ensure that the homeless in our community have a warm, safe place to sleep during the winter months. Open from the last weekend in October through the first weekend in April, Reach’s cold weather shelter is a crucial life-saving resource for some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.
When the heat suddenly stopped working in the men’s sleeping area, Reach needed to make sure that they were able to get the repairs done quickly to ensure that their residents could sleep well and stay warm. United Way’s Urgent Needs grant funding of $731.56 will ensure that funds otherwise allocated to helping Reach clients will not be affected by this unanticipated expense.
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Live United
Urgent Needs Grant Awards
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Each month, the United Way of Washington County is pleased to partner with various organizations that provide critical services to our community.
Our Urgent Needs Grant is a low-barrier grant designed to assist nonprofits experiencing unplanned expenses due to unanticipated program needs, emergencies, or underlying situations while our United Against Hunger Grant addresses needs specific to food insecurity within our community.
Both applications are due on the 27th of the month.
Applications can be found here
https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/community-impact-grants-investments
For additional information contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext.104
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Did you know that your United Way actively supports or partners with over 85 organizations and many individual Washington County residents annually?
All donations made here...stay here.
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Our donors, partners and volunteers
make it possible for us to have a
major impact on our community!
If you would like to help the United Way
make a difference in Washington County please click the DONATE button today!
Thank you so very much for your continued support!
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In January, local Weis Markets, Inc. held an overwhelmingly successful round-up campaign benefiting your United Way, raising nearly $3,900!
A statement from Weis:
"As a locally focused company, we continue to support local United Way chapters throughout our seven-state market area and are confident our donation will benefit a significant number of local charities in your service area."
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Thank you, Dunkin' Donuts and the Patel Family. | |
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We thank Mr. Nick Patel, his family, and the Dunkin' Donuts team for their generous donation during the recent grand reopening celebration of their Maugans Avenue location.
In addition to a cash donation, the Patel family hosted a super fun, family-friendly event, including circus performers, face painting, balloon artists, and LOTS of giveaways! A GREAT, GREAT time was had by all (big and small)!
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Mr. Patel owns and operations three Hagerstown locations, including:
Maugans Avenue | Pennsylvania Avenue | Oak Ridge Drive
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Spotlight~ Success Story
Client Assistance
Reach of Washington County
A mom of two young children who needed assistance paying for her electric bill came into our offices. She was employed and unexpectedly had to go to the hospital for a serious health issue. She was admitted there for a few days and upon discharge, hoped to return to working her normal hours but was unable to do so due to the numerous daily medical appointments that were required for treatment. Because of her decrease in hours, her electric bill got behind and eventually cut off. This was a major concern for her, as both she and her daughter have asthma and require round-the-clock breathing treatments. Reach was able to pay the electric bill in full, allowing for continued treatment and one less worry during a stressful time for a tearfully grateful client.
We assisted a working, single mother of 4 children with her security deposit. She had been living with family and had recently been approved for a Section 8 voucher. After locating a suitable unit large enough for her family, she needed a little bit of assistance with the remainder of her security deposit. With assistance from Reach, she was able to move in before the holidays.
~ Submitted by Jeannie Asbury, Reach Executive Director
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Spotlight~ Success Story
Health Collaborative
Jack E. Barr Center for Well~Being
Jill has been a client of the Center for more than two years. Unfortunately, Jill was inconsistent in coming to her appointments and at first it was difficult to see how we could be helpful. Over time, we learned that in addition to her mental health needs, Jill was struggling financially and in her relationship. When we understood how theses issues were impacting her progress, we sat alongside her as she worked through it. We attempted to connect Jill with other services to help her become more independent. Her therapist no only provided therapy but assisted with case management for a financial crisis and lost relationship. Allowing Jill to use space at the center after sessions to coordinate calls while continuing to check in, allows her to connect and be consistent now.
~ Submitted by Elisa Mabina, San Mar, Director of Development
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VOLUNTEERS WANTED
United Way of Washington County MD is currently seeking additional members of the community to serve on both the Revenue and GIVE (Give. Invest. Volunteer. Educate) Committees. We ask interested parties to commit to at least once-a-month hybrid committee meetings in return for having a voice in how UWWC can maximize our reach within our community.
For more information, please reach out to Heather Guessford at heather@uwwcmd.org or 301-739-8200 ext.102.
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Promoting literacy across Washington County! | |
Paramount Elementary Literacy Event | |
The Literacy Event held by the Staff and PTA at Paramount Elementary School was a big success drawing over 200 people. United Way's Books United program provided free books for the attendees! Special thanks to Stacey Abeles, our Community Education Advocate/Books United Coordinator. | |
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Books United's Ladies for Lasting Literacy created Valentines for the residents at Coffman Nursing Home in February.
Books United was able to provide CD players and headphones to accompany the audio books so all the residents, even those with vision challenges can experience the joy of reading!
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Crafts, Giveaways, Woody, Belle, and BOOKS--OH MY!
Another super fun community event celebrating National Reading Month!
Team United recently participated in the inaugural "Bunny's Book Bash" in partnership with our friends at Valley Mall, Hagerstown.
The event featured a Books United book nook with FREE books, character appearances, crafts--so many crafts!--photos with the Easter Bunny, and much more.
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The Books United book nook will be set up through the end of March, directly in front of Belk. Help yourself to a title of your choosing for FREE!
Julie, Jennifer, and the team from Valley Mall are INCREDIBLE partners to United Way and our community. We remain in gratitude to them.
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As Always...
Special Thanks to Julie Rohm and the Valley Mall for loaning us storage space for our "thousands of books"!
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Deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes and feminine pads are all items we need every day. But for some low-income families personal hygiene poses a problem. For many families it can be difficult to put food on the table so personal hygiene items and other necessities are out of reach. Every day people go without personal care Items because they simply can't afford them.
The United Way of Washington County's Hygiene Pantry works directly with local schools and organizations to make these personal necessities obtainable to individuals and families. The current number of lives impacted is over 600 and growing.
Products such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes and lice kits are just a few of the items available in our pantries. Laundry detergent, feminine products and baby supplies are needed as well. Please contact Stacey Abeles at stacey@uwwcmd.org or Kathy Harple at
kathy@uwwcmd.org. to learn how you can help impact the lives of those in need.
We currently have 7 active pantries :
- Hagerstown Community College
- Cascade Elementary School
- Clear Spring Elementary School
- Hickory Elementary School
- Western Heights Middle School
- Parkside Community Center
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School
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The need for United Way's Hygiene Pantry Program is growing every day.
The newest addition to the program is Pleasant Valley Elementary.
We were able to provide 20 hygiene bags, 10 dishwashing liquids and 2 bags of laundry pods for distribution to student households in February.
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Find the help you need with one phone call!
Non-Profit and Human Service Programs
The 2-1-1 database has information on
more than 7000 agencies and programs across the state.
Each week 2-1-1 handles thousands of calls from
people in need, providing referrals to services and helping people
problem-solve when services they need are not available.
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The Family Center - Do you love holding babies? Do you enjoy interacting with toddlers? The Family Center is seeking volunteers to work in their childcare rooms with infants and toddlers (Up to age 4). Flexible daytime hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. A background check and fingerprinting is required at no cost. For more information, please contact Rhonda Forrest at 301-790-4002 or rhonda.forrest@maryland.gov
Big Brothers Big Sisters – With the renewed inspiration and energy ushered in by the New Year, there is almost no better time to consider making the commitment to share your time and talents with others. The special friendships formed between Bigs and Littles positively change the trajectory of the lives of all involved. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has a waiting list of kids and needs your help! There are various volunteer opportunities that will fit almost anyone’s availability. For more information, please contact their enrollment & matching coordinator, Kerry Fair, at 301.375.0939 or k.fair@bbbswcmd.org. Let the New Beginnings of this time of year be your call to Be the Change. Visit volunteer need here: https://volunteer.unitedwayfcwc.org/need/detail/?need_id=654044
Girls Inc. – Qualified and willing volunteers are always welcome to join and assist with projects. The girls love meeting new people and will act as a positive role model to them. To express interest, visit: https://www.girlsinc-md.org/volunteer
Boys and Girls Club – Volunteer in many different ways like on-site engagement, advocacy, and more. Fill out an application here: https://www.bgcwc.org/volunteer
Discovery Station – Volunteers help in every area of the museum in positions like exhibit docents, admission's office clerks, gift shop salespersons, creative development members, program leaders, and more. Visit volunteer need here: https://bit.ly/VolDiscovery
Horizon Goodwill Industries – Volunteers help in many diverse ways ad can include mission support, community outreach, job connection services, administration, court ordered community service, to name a few. To learn more, visit: https://horizongoodwill.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Literacy Council of Washington County – You don’t need experience to be a tutor with LCWC. Training is provided and FREE. You do need to be fluent in English, have enthusiasm, and patience. To learn more, visit: http://www.literacyofwcmd.org/become-a-tutor/
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Hagerstown Rescue Mission – Sorting volunteers at the donation center are always welcome. To learn more: https://www.hagerstownhopecenter.com/volunteer
Faith Step Ministries - is seeking volunteers to assist with their Saturday morning breakfast ministry that connects with over 150 community members on a weekly basis on
the West End of Hagerstown. They are seeking volunteers from 7:30 am – 10:30 am at 451 Salem Avenue, Hagerstown to help prepare breakfast, serve the public, and
clean up. A minimum of 6 volunteers are needed each week, and they always
welcome extra hands to help! Interested individuals should contact Josue Orellana at
josueorellanaguevara@hotmail.com with any questions or to sign up.
English & More, Inc. - Stay safe while serving your community from the comfort of your home. English tutors for ESL populations are needed. Shadowing opportunities are available for both new and seasoned volunteers. To express interest or learn more, email: virginia.wilson1277@gmail.com.
Washington County Commission on Aging - Volunteers welcome as Meals on Wheels delivery drivers. All those interested must be fully vaccinated. More information here: https://www.wccoaging.org/volunteer
Children in Need – Sorting and serving opportunities are always ongoing for community members, organizations, high school students, and more! Learn about getting involved by visiting: https://childreninneedwashingtoncounty.org/volunteer/
Easterseals - Virtual volunteer opportunities are available for anyone with a special talent to share virtually on Zoom. It could be singing, sharing a craft (we can get the supplies), magician, dancing, reading a story etc. If anyone is interested, they can contact Debbie Lauricella, Assistance Center Director, to coordinate. dlauricella@eseal.org
Easterseals Adult Day Services
Many volunteer opportunities are available for anyone with a special talent to share. It could be singing, sharing a craft (we can get the supplies), magician, dancing, reading a story etc. If anyone is interested, they can contact Emily Hankewycz, Activity Director, to coordinate. ebrecht@eseal.org or call 301.745.3828
Habitat for Humanity - Join a team of invaluable volunteers at the ReStore! Multiple positions to fit any skill/interest level. Volunteer Benefits: Flexible schedule / 20% store discount / Rewarding work / Plus, for a limited time receive $20 a month in ReStore cash for up to 6 months. Flyer.
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Volunteers Needed
The Hagerstown Housing Authority needs volunteer groups to help provide lunches to low-income seniors and disabled residents of Potomac Towers in Hagerstown.
The Potomac Towers Lunch Program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteer groups assist by providing either grab-and-go bagged lunches, serving a hot meal onsite, or providing donations of items for the lunches. The volunteers typically provide meals or drop them off at the Towers around 11:30 AM.
The Lunch Program currently has several days each month without volunteer groups. Open days of the month are the 1st Tuesday, 2nd Thursday, 3rd Thursday, and the 4th Thursday. If interested in assisting, please contact Deena Holder via email at dholder@hagerstownha.com or 301-733-6911 x163.
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Use JustServe for your volunteer needs
and opportunities!
Looking for volunteers to serve in your ministry? Or are you looking for volunteer opportunities for yourself and/or your group? JustServe is a website where volunteer needs meet volunteers. All nonprofits, houses of worship and faith-based organizations are welcome to use this service to post your volunteer needs - just contact Ashlee Harris to get started at jon2ash@gmail.com or text 801-860-1301. Those searching for volunteer opportunities can simply search the database by city, state or zip code or even look for ways to volunteer by remote.
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"64 Days to Live Nonviolence"
From the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
"The Season for Nonviolence marks the 64 days between the anniversaries of the deaths of Mohandas Gandhi on January 30 and Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4.... We learn to practice nonviolence one step at a time, one choice at a time, one day at a time. Through our daily nonviolent choices and action, our noble and courageous spirits rise to move the world in the direction of peace. Wherever you are in your journey, we hope this booklet will support your growth and encourage you, reminding you that you are part of a worldwide community working for nonviolence and peace."
64 daily practices booklet
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Free Breakfasts
2nd Saturday of each month
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Hagerstown Church of the Brethren
Corner of E. Washington St. and South Mulberry St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
See flyer for dates of our upcoming events. See our most recent Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources List
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Washington County Family Center
221 McRand Court, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740
The Family Center provides GED and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for expectant parents and parents with children ages
0-3. Childcare, meals, parenting education, and case management services are provided. Transportation is available on a case-by-case basis. To register or learn more information, please contact Kate Dunn at
240-420-2527 or katherine.dunn1@maryland.gov
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Circles Washington County
Circles Washington County, MD, began in January, 2023, and is continuing to interact and work with 9 participants – our Circle Leaders. Coordinators Elizabeth Howe and Marci Corea are always happy to accept invitations to meet you in person or speak at your church or organization to share how it’s going and get your ideas for alleviating poverty in our community. Please contact them at ehowe@wccac.org or mcorea@wccac.org. We need and appreciate your support!
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UPDATED Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list
The Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list was just updated significantly. Please replace copies you may already have and share it with anyone in need. Updated Resource List. The most recent list can also always be found on the HARC website. If you know of any additional changes, please contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.
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The Western Maryland Consortium is a regional workforce development agency under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act with offices in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. We address the needs of job seekers and businesses by establishing a workforce system that helps them access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. The Western Maryland Consortium provides services to underemployed and unemployed adults, youth, and dislocated workers who are residents of Western Maryland.
The path that leads you to your full-time destination will vary as will the services and training available to you. We pride ourselves on providing individualized and tailored plans that meet the needs of our clients and assisting them in achieving their workforce goals.
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Funds, Furnishings, and Volunteers Needed for Refugee Families
Recently, there has been an influx of refugee families in Washington County. Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) needs funds, furnishings, and volunteers to help stabilize them while we work with them toward self-sufficiency. In the last two weeks, the RWN settled two new families into housing, with a third currently waiting for housing and help. Read more and see our list of needs. Donate funds. Contact us to volunteer.
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ENVY Youth Basketball League Sponsorships Needed
ENVY, a youth violence prevention program here within the City of Hagerstown that works to facilitate collaboration of resources and efforts of various community partners who provide services to or engage with youth in the community, has started a very unique youth basketball league and is looking for faith community assistance. You may recall Chief Kifer and Danielle Staley speaking about this program at the recent HARC meeting. ENVY stands for Ending Needless Violence with our Youth, and this basketball league is really ENVY’s way to initially engage at risk youth. Read more
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Walking 2 Wellness - Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm
The Athletic, Recreation and Community Center (ARCC)
Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown
Trying to fulfill your New Year's Resolution in getting healthier? Let's get healthy together! Be part of Prime Time For Women's "Walking 2 Wellness" community … meet new people, connect with longtime friends, and develop a regular exercise regime that is good for you. Even better, it’s fun! Prime Time For Women Website / Facebook.
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WCFL Hosts Large Chromebook Distribution Events for Eligible Families
Hagerstown, MD – Washington County Free Library believes that access to technology is one key to achieving economic freedom and accessing important educational activities. In an effort to close the digital divide and increase digital literacy in Washington County, through a grant provided by Washington County government via the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development, WCFL is the primary distributor of no-cost Chromebooks for Washington County households.
Distribution events will be held at each WCFL location during the first five months of 2024.
As with appointment distribution dates, only Washington County residents 18 years or older may participate. One device is allowed per household. To pick up your Chromebook at the event, you must provide:
- Valid and not-expired Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, work or government ID, passport, etc.)
- Proof of Washington County residence
- Proof of one of the following qualifications listed below:
- Households with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- $27,180 for a household of 1
- $36,620 for a household of 2
- $46,060 for a household of 3
- $55,500 for a household of 4
- Or $9,440 more for each additional household member
- Households enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
- Households that participate in government assistance programs such as:
- Child receives free or reduced-price school lunch
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Pell Grant (current award year)
- SNAP, formerly Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- WIC
Examples of proof include (but are not limited to) proof of benefit like a SNAP or Medicaid card, an internet bill showing the ACP discount, or the first page of your 2022 or 2023 tax return. The person listed on the provided proof must be the person in attendance at the event to receive the device.
Appointments for upcoming distribution dates are now available and listed at
washcolibrary.org/chromebook.
For more information about Chromebook distribution, visit washcolibrary.org, or contact the Fletcher Library Information Services Department at 301-241-9968 or 301-244-8994.
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St. Patrick's Day Street Festival
Potomac Walk | March 16, 2024 | 11am – 2pm
Join us for the first St. Patrick's Day Street Festival taking place after RunFest on March 16th from 11am-2pm. Get a specialty Green Cup, participate in our Costume Contest, and enjoy live music from Poor Man's Gambit and a special performance from ACT Black Box Community Theatre featuring Wilson J Heredia!
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Service of Installation for the
Rev. Dr. E. Scott Winnette - March 17
Sunday, March 17, 2:00 pm
Zion Reformed UCC
201 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown
The Catoctin Association, Central Atlantic Conference, United Church of Christ and Zion Reformed United Church of Christ cordially invite your presence and prayers for the installation of the Rev. Dr. E. Scott Winnette at Zion Reformed UCC. There will be a light reception following. Clergy, please vest in red. RSVP to zionrucc@myactv.net. Download Invitation.
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April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are currently needed to assist in the installation of blue yard flags at multiple locations throughout Hagerstown on
Saturday, March 30th, 2024 at 10:00 AM
If interested in volunteering, please message Justice's Sake through Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/JusticesSAKE
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Save the Date & Publicize: Good Friday Unity Walk - March 29
Friday, March 29, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Hagerstown City Park, Hagerstown
Join us for HARC's annual ecumenical Good Friday Unity Walk in memory of Christ’s passion and death. Walk begins in the gazebo adjacent to the Museum parking lot and ends at the "grotto." There will be 7 stops with scripture readings and meditations, and call-and-response songs between the stops. A stationary (no-walk) option will also be available at the gazebo. Questions? Contact Kathy at 301-842-4272 or director@harccoalition.org. Flyer
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Save the Date!
Congressional Candidate Senior Forum
March 30
Saturday, March 30, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Zion Baptist Church
61 Bethel Street, Hagerstown
The Elder Group presents a Congressional Candidate Senior Forum at Zion Baptist Church. Pastor Rickey A. Smith, Sr. Flyer.
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HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope - May 18 (Challenge Hike), June 8 (Main Hike)
Challenge Hike - Saturday, May 18
Appalachian Trail, meeting at Weverton
4K, 10k & half marathon Hikes - Saturday, June 8
Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Retreat Center and C&O Canal Towpath
Register now and spread the word for the 11th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope! This family-friendly FUNdraiser benefits HARC and Micah's Backpack, and is a great opportunity for getting outdoors and having fun. The main hike is a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike/walk/run on the C&O Canal Towpath and the Challenge Hike is a 20-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. TEAMS are encouraged. This year we have an exciting matching pledge from the God's Grace Fund. HARC Hike participants who raise funds beyond a $200 suggested fundraising goal will see any additional amounts raised matched 2-1 for triple the impact. Learn more and register. Flyer / Bulletin inserts / Sponsorship form / Manual registration form / How to set up a team
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May 22, 2024 at 4:30 – 9:00
Antietam Brewery
Join support those affected by Cancer in our Community at Antietam Brewery!
Volunteers will be on-site to collect gift cards for caregivers and share how you can get involved locally with the American Cancer Society. 10% of Pints, Flights & Food will be donated to the American Cancer Society, the evening will also include Raffles and door prizes!
Last year, this event raised over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society and $530 in gift cards were received for area caregivers. Help us surpass our fundraising goal this year $1,600 in donations and $700 in gift card donations.
More about Caregiver Gift Cards: Donations of Gift Cards, valued at $20 or more for Caregivers. Gift cards for Gas, Groceries, or Restaurants are most appreciated! These gift cards are distributed at events right here in Washington County to make a difference in households battling cancer.
Follow along for more information about the event and raffle previews!
Questions about the event: Please contact Audrey Vargason at ajvargason@outlook.com
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United Way of Washington County, MD partners with SingleCare
(formerly FamilyWize) to provide community members with access to affordable prescription medications, ensuring greater health and financial stability.
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About the SingleCare
prescription savings card:
Always free to use by everyone
just show it to the pharmacist.
No registration or eligibility requirements.
Use it right away! ·
Save up to 80% on 10,000+
prescription medications ·
Accepted at major pharmacy chains nationwide ·
Sign up on SingleCare.com for additional member savings
(earn $1 per eligible script!!)
Works whether you’re insured or underinsured
·
Unlimited uses
For more information and resources, visit: https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/singlecare
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