Nike's Cushioning Innovation team is not only committed to creating high-performance athletic gear but also to making a difference in their community. Just a day before Earth Day, the team collaborated with the nonprofit organization H.O.P.E. (Honoring our Precious Elders) to help two elderly homeowners maintain their large garden. The volunteers worked hard to build a raised bed, weed existing beds, and level pathways for the elders. With around 20 volunteers on the project, the results were impressive and the impact was heartwarming.

We at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette believe Black History Month is every month (a helpful belief seeing as our All Staff event was canceled last month due to the snow!) Black Americans have had an indelible and beautiful impact on our nation throughout its history, despite the pains and prejudices they have endured. American history is Black history and the impacts Black Americans have had, through their resilience, curiosity, acumen and love, should be celebrated daily.

Our Early Learning experts took advantage of a somewhat sunny day on March 11th to help put on the Spring Into Learning resource fair organized with MHCC Head Start. The event included over 50 community organizations offering support with preschool and elementary school registration, as well as vocational training, financial education, health and wellness knowledge and much more.