Southwest Michigan is a community powered by people who step forward—often quietly—to make life better for their neighbors. From mentoring youth and organizing food drives to serving on nonprofit boards and responding in moments of crisis, volunteers are the heartbeat of our region. Their commitment strengthens families, supports nonprofits, and creates lasting change.

This past week many Americans paused after the swirl of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to support Giving Tuesday — the global generosity movement that began in 2012 as a simple campaign to redirect holiday energy toward giving, volunteering, and community support. But just because the calendar has turned doesn’t mean the spirit of generosity has to end. There’s still time to make a difference by supporting United Way of Southwest Michigan, keeping your charitable dollars local!

When the heat goes out in the middle of a Michigan winter, or when a single parent has to choose between groceries and rent, there’s one number that can offer hope: 2-1-1.