GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 30, 2025 — State Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) proudly announced a $15,000 donation to Heart of West Michigan United Way to support key community initiatives aimed at improving lives across West Michigan. This contribution will help fund four signature programs designed to mobilize volunteers, empower students and provide essential resources to families in need. 

“Investing in our neighbors is investing in the future of West Michigan,” Glanville said. “These programs don’t just provide resources — they also create opportunities for connection, learning and hope. I’m proud to support initiatives that strengthen families, empower students and remind us what we can accomplish when we come together.”

Heart of West Michigan United Way provides services year round to reduce poverty by connecting people, ideas and resources and by mobilizing community action across Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties. Whether it’s keeping a family housed, expanding youth opportunity or increasing access to mental health support, through collaboration and innovation, they address immediate needs while creating long-term solutions, so individuals and families can move from crisis to stability, and from stability to opportunity.

“Heart of West Michigan United Way is grateful to Representative Glanville for her support of these signature events,” said Michelle Van Dyke, President and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way. “Her commitment to helping us move ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families from crisis to stability fuels real change in our community.”

The funds are being distributed via the Shot Clock Project, a local C4 supporting community initiatives across Michigan and supported by The States Project’s Future Now Action fund. The donation will directly benefit the following programs:

  • Operation United (April 2026) 
    • Mobilizes hundreds of volunteers from local companies to complete outdoor projects at the homes of veterans, seniors and neighbors with disabilities. Together, teams make a tangible difference — improving safety, accessibility and pride in the community while deepening their connection to local service. 
  • Stuff the Bus (August 2026) 
    • This school supply collection drive supports students across West Michigan by ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, from pencils and notebooks to backpacks filled with essentials. 
  • Day of Caring (September 2026) 
    • Day of Caring is an annual volunteer event where workplaces come together to complete service projects at non-profits across West Michigan. From painting and landscaping to organizing community resources, volunteers make a visible impact in just one day. 
  • Student United Way (School-year program) 
    • A school-year program that connects students to real community needs through meaningful service. Participants learn how local issues are addressed and what it means to contribute to a collective effort. It’s an engaging way for young people to begin shaping their role in strengthening West Michigan. Through hands-on experiences in philanthropy, Student United Way engages young people in meaningful projects that drive real change in West Michigan. Students gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Opportunities to help United Way extend throughout the year; donations to their various programs ensure these programs continue to strengthen West Michigan communities and create lasting change. For more information about Heart of West Michigan United Way and upcoming events, visit hwmuw.org.  

 

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