News keeps coming in about the creative, caring power of volunteers during National Volunteer Week. On April 17, United Way of Northwest Arkansas and Faith in Action teamed up with Kimberly-Clark’s Depend brand to "Build Britches in the Community" through “Underwareness at the Warehouse” in Bentonville. The goal of the all-day event was to promote healthy, active, and independent living throughout an individual’s life.
That day, more than 200 volunteers assembled 4,800 basic needs kits at United Way’s Gifts in Kind Warehouse. The packs include basic items that are essential for good health and hygiene such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and underwear, including $12,000 worth of products donated by local Depend and Poise brand teams. The hygiene packs will be distributed to those in need by 7 local nonprofit agencies: Faith in Action, Life Styles, Area Agency on Aging, Office of Human Concern, Open Avenues, Siloam Springs Adult Development Center, and Arkansas Support Network.
The event was tied to a Depend brand campaign, “Drop Your Pants for Underwareness”, which aims to raise awareness of and break down the stigma around bladder leakage, a health and hygiene challenge for one in four Americans between the ages of 20 and 85.
United Way has been pleased to partner with Depend to help spread the word that volunteering is part of an active and healthy lifestyle. Along with United Way of Northwest Arkansas, United Way Fox Cities and Greater Twin Cities United Way led terrific volunteer activities earlier this year that helped people in need and inspired individuals and families to live healthier lives. This latest event reinforces the importance of volunteers in our community and the simple things we all can do to advance the common good. I hope you’ll volunteer with your United Way as part of your own commitment to a healthy lifestyle and to helping others.
