United Way of Southwest Michigan’s annual “Christmas in June” food drive for local pantries kicks off today to benefit 38 pantries in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.

United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations for the Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Award. The Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Award recognizes one self-nominated winner from each of the three counties in our area: Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren, who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism through innovation, dedication, and advocacy for community improvement throughout their high school career.

As the community works through the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, local funders and businesses have come together to create the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund.

Registration is officially open for Whirlpool’s “Rock the Boat” cardboard boat races this summer. The best advice for anyone interested in participating: Register early.

In light of developing public health concerns, United Way of Southwest Michigan plans to bring its annual Celebration to the community in creative fashion. Originally scheduled to have been held on Thursday, March 19 at the Grand Upton Hall at Lake Michigan College, UWSM’s Celebration will take a different form, never tried before, in deference to the guidelines of public health officials, at a later date.

United Way of Southwest Michigan aims to collect 5,000 books at 40+ drop-off locations in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.

Start your engines. Those were the three words that nine finalists heard on Tuesday evening during United Way of Southwest Michigan’s third annual Car Challenge at Tyler Automotive in Stevensville. Unlike a Nascar or Formula One race, however, only one car in Tyler’s showroom would start. And that car belonged to Michael Lafrenz.

United Way of Southwest Michigan is hosting its 5th “Pop Up Giving” event on Thursday, February 20 at Silver Harbor Brewing Company in St. Joseph. This event gives the attendees the chance to decide where funds go. Thanks to a donation from Kellogg's, the theme is Pop-Tarts and there will be plenty of the toasty treat to go around. 

United Way of Southwest Michigan is an organization that is all about giving back. Now, they are on the receiving end of a prestigious Michigan honor.