United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up for its annual Rake a Difference event, set to take place on Thursday, November 13, across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. The organization is calling on volunteers to step forward and help make a difference in the lives of local seniors by assisting with leaf raking and gutter cleaning.

The Annual Whirlpool Appliance Sale took place last weekend in St. Joseph with another year of exceptional sales attributed toward the Whirlpool Corporation Employee Campaign to benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan.

Do you see untapped potential in your neighborhood? Are you ready to lead the change you want to see? The Community Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its first cohort, launching in September 2025 in Benton Harbor and Benton Township within the 49022 ZIP code. If you’re a resident with a passion for community, bold ideas, and a commitment to making a difference, this FREE program is for you. 

The Whirlpool Appliance Sale will take place in-person and earlier this year Saturday, August 23 from 8am-4pm, and Sunday, August 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This year’s sale is moving to the former Rosback building at 125 Hawthorne Ave in St. Joseph. The sale is open to the public and offers 300+ discounted Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Whirlpool brand ovens, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers at significant savings. All major appliances are new with a full one-year warranty. The sale will also feature Gladiator, and KitchenAid small appliances and accessories offered at exclusive prices. Cash and credit cards will be accepted for this sale, and home delivery will be available for a $100 donation per appliance within a 15-mile radius of St. Joseph. 100% of the proceeds from the appliances sold benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan.

United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up to ensure that every child in Cass County has the tools they need to succeed for the upcoming school year as part of School Supply Spectacular. The annual event is back for another year to provide free backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students.

Since kicking off on June 18th, the Benton Harbor Farmers Market has once again proven to be a beloved summer tradition and a vital resource for the community. Running through September 24th, the market quickly built momentum, drawing nearly 600 visitors on its second day alone, a true testament to its role as a gathering place for fresh food, creative crafts, and meaningful connections.

The highly anticipated annual cardboard boat race on the St. Joseph River channel saw nearly a thousand spectators with 19 boats participating for a great cause.

United Way of Southwest Michigan’s ROCK THE BOAT Cardboard Boat Races, Presented by Honor Credit Union, are back at the Inn at Harbor Shores on the St. Joseph River Channel this Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 5pm. The event is free to attend and open to the public with parking available down the street from the Inn at Harbor Shores on the opposite side of the Gast Parkway overpass.

The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation in partnership with Be Healthy Berrien launched the Savor Collective, an incubator program developed to support local food entrepreneurs and farmers. Supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the New Ventures Fund, sustainable cities initiative project. The program focused on helping socially disadvantaged businesses by offering technical support and resources.