News
Monday, July 10, 2017
Greater Ottawa County United Way will host its fifth annual Stuff the Bus school supply collection drive from Monday, July 24 – Monday, August 7. Community members are invited to donate school supplies and backpacks for local kids at Fifth Third Bank locations in Ottawa County and at Loutit District Library in Grand Haven. Donations can also be made by texting BUS to 30306. United Way's Vice President of Volunteer Engagement Shannon LaHaie said, “Last year, we were able to provide nearly 1,000 backpacks to kids in need. This year, we are confident in our community’s generosity to help us...
Thursday, May 25, 2017
On Tuesday, June 6, Greater Ottawa County United Way and the Lakeshore Housing Alliance are hosting the fourth annual Ottawa Housing Next Community Conversation on the topic of increasing affordable housing in our community. Attendees will learn more about Ottawa Housing Next's early successes and key community members will provide input on its future direction. The conversation will take place from 7:30am-11:00am at Baker Lofts Events, 171 E 24th St, Holland, MI 49423. To register, go to: bit.ly/CommunityConversation2017. The mission of Ottawa Housing Next is to create and support action...
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
On Thursday, April 27, the Greater Ottawa County United Way Board of Directors appointed Lyndsie Post of Davenport University as chairwoman. Michael MacPherson of Huntington National Bank was appointed vice chair; Keith Van Beek of Ottawa County remains in the office of treasurer; Kevin Hook of The Grand Haven Tribune was appointed secretary; and Sarah Lilly of Five Star Real Estate Lakeshore assumed the role of at-large trustee.The board voted to add three new trustees to serve three-year terms each. They are Pete Haines of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Mike Lieto of Shape...
Monday, May 8, 2017
As part of Greater Ottawa County’s Jr. Day of Caring, nearly 500 eighth grade students from Lakeshore Middle School volunteered at more than 25 local nonprofit organizations and parks on Friday, May 5. Students tackled projects such as landscaping, park clean up, providing middle school tours to incoming students and connecting with local senior citizens. Students can continue to volunteer through United Way after middle school with the Students LIVE UNITED program during high school. Students who join the program track their volunteer hours, build leadership skills and have the opportunity...
Friday, April 28, 2017
From April 18-28, more than 450 students from White Pines Middle School removed garbage and invasive species at local parks during Greater Ottawa County United Way's sixth annual Junior Day of Caring. United Way's VP of Volunteer Engagement Shannon LaHaie said, "I am always inspired by the energy and engagement of the students who volunteer as part of Junior Day of Caring. They are eager to be a part of their community and to make a positive difference. I am also proud of the strong partnership United Way has developed with Grand Haven Area Public Schools and the Ottawa County Parks system in...
Monday, April 24, 2017
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 23 – 29), Greater Ottawa County United Way is proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 Volunteer Stars awards. Volunteers were nominated in March by community members and organizations throughout Ottawa County, and are receiving this award for their outstanding volunteer service. To view the list of award recipients, please visit www.ottawaunitedway.org/volunteer-recognition.United Way would also like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers in Ottawa County. Your service makes a powerful impact on our community.For more information,...
Monday, April 10, 2017
The Lakeshore Housing Alliance is hosting its annual ‘Housing Matters’ awareness event during the week of April 16. From Sunday, April 16 – Saturday, April 22, community members are invited to add a dollar or more to their meal bill at the following restaurants: Hops at 84 East, 8th Street Grille, The Biscuit, Tripelroot, Turks Inn, deBoer Bakkerij and New Holland Brewery. All proceeds go to the Lakeshore Housing Alliance, and will be used for homelessness prevention initiatives in Ottawa County.The Lakeshore Housing Alliance (LHA) is a collaboration of human service agencies, community...
Friday, March 24, 2017
Greater Ottawa County United Way wrapped up its annual community campaign at its LIVE UNITED Celebration event on Thursday evening at Baker Lofts Event Center in Holland. Top-performing campaign companies, nonprofit community partners and volunteers were honored with recognition and awards throughout the evening. During the event, Campaign Chair P.J. Thompson announced that 92% of the multi-year $2.5 million campaign goal was reached, with the total amount given and pledged during the 2016-2017 campaign coming in at $2,278,640. United Way President Patrick Moran said, “We have set an...
Friday, March 3, 2017
Greater Ottawa County United Way invites all Ottawa County residents to nominate individuals and/or groups for Volunteer Stars recognition during National Volunteer Week this April. Anyone who goes above and beyond to give of his or her time and skill to an organization or to a person in need is eligible for nomination as a Volunteer Star, and anyone may make a nomination.Nomination forms are available at www.ottawaunitedway.org/volunteer-recognition and at the United Way office in Holland (115 Clover Street, Suite 300). Those without Internet access or the ability to pick up a form, may call...
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Greater Ottawa County United Way recently welcomed Erin Kamphuis to its staff. Erin is joining United Way as a finance associate. She will support the chief finance officer with data entry, campaign processing and customer relationship management.Erin is a graduate of Holland Christian High School and holds an associates degree in accounting from Ferris State University. Prior to accepting this position, Erin worked as an administrative assistant at a nonprofit organization and in the banking industry. She has a passion for serving her community and is excited to make a difference as part of...