Days of Caring
Days of Caring is a collaborative effort between Somerset County United Way and the United Way of Hunterdon County. Thanks to the commitment of many local companies and the involvement of their employees, more than 1,800 volunteers were mobilized to complete over 150 projects within 65 local nonprofit organizations over the past two years.

Baby Bundles
Through the collection and distribution of new clothing, baby food, and other supplies to local agencies, low-income families and expectant parents throughout Somerset County are provided the necessities to help their children get a better start in life. In 2008, more than 5,500 baby care items were collected and distributed.

Party in the Park - Family Volunteer Day
This annual event features family activities, entertainment and informative exhibits that encourage people to learn about their community and volunteer together. The Somerset County Park Commission co-sponsors this event, held at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. In 2008, approximately 2,000 people were in attendance.

Stuff the Bus
Individuals, employee groups, and service organizations collect donations of new school supplies that are distributed to local elementary and middle school students from low-income families. In 2008, more than 40,500 new school supplies were donated. The items collected by 86 participating organizations and many community members were valued at more than $58,000! Through this program, thousands of underprivileged students from 51 schools and nonprofit agencies throughout Somerset County will start this school year prepared and ready to learn.

Gifts of the Season
With the generosity of individuals, employee groups, and service organizations, Somerset County United Way, the Somerset County Food Bank Network, the Somerset County Board of Social Services and other local agencies work together to bring holiday gifts to thousands of low-income individuals and families throughout Somerset County. Gift tags with wishes from a child, disabled adult or senior are prepared and distributed to generous donors. In 2007, more than 5,000 low-income individuals and families were provided gifts donated by individuals, civic groups and employees from 89 local organizations.

Wrapped In Love
Help share the warmth this winter with those less fortunate by collecting coats, hats, gloves, socks, etc. for our annual coat drive. Donations are sorted by volunteers and distributed to participating families in need through our Gifts of the Season program. More than 4,000 winter outerwear items were collected and distributed in 2007.

Circles
We seek adult volunteers with a willingness to contribute their energy, wisdom and/or resources toward ending poverty in our community. The Circles Initiative partnership between NORWESCAP, Somerset County Department of Human Services and Somerset County United Way is a high impact strategy focused on ending poverty. It enables relationships across economic and class lines, builds off strengths in the community and complements existing agency supports. It focuses on minimizing the “root” causes of poverty in families. Volunteers are asked to attend a 4-6 hour training about this initiative, attend at least one meeting per month and take on various leadership roles that contribute to the larger goal. For more information contact Bruce Hayes at hayese@norwescap.org.

Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) Program
Earned Income Tax Credit is the largest government refund program for low income families in the nation. We are in special need of tax preparers and language interpreters for our free tax preparation sites to help people receive this and other credits. No prior experience is necessary and free training will be provided for volunteer tax preparers.

Workforce Development