Orrville Area United Way (OAUW) saw significant growth in its Percy Programs in 2024, showcasing the power of community collaboration and support. These programs, named after the organization’s penguin mascot, Percy, ensure that individuals and families across Dalton, Kidron, Marshallville, Orrville, and North Lawrence have access to essential resources that promote stability, well-being, and opportunity.
While OAUW is widely recognized as a grant funder, it also supports seven community initiatives, including five Percy Programs, as well as 2-1-1, a 24/7 resource help line, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These initiatives help fill gaps and ensure families have the support they need, with a strong focus on providing resources for local children.
The demand for these services has continued to rise. The Weekend Backpack program, which provides students with food to take home over the weekend, distributed 3,413 bags in 2024, up from 2,872 in 2023. Happy Feet, which provides vouchers for new shoes and socks, served 177 children, an increase from 164 the previous year. Perhaps the most notable growth came from the Sweet Dreams program, which provides complete bed sets for children. This program expanded from 10 beds in 2023 to 34 in 2024.
Other community initiatives also experienced steady use. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library delivered 9,311 free books to children from birth to age five. Friendship Meals served 7,542 free hot meals throughout the year. Calls to 2-1-1, which connects individuals to local resources, increased from 244 in 2023 to 293 in 2024. VITA filed 154 tax returns in 2024, compared to 117 the previous year.
This remarkable growth has been made possible by the generosity of the community. Sweet Dreams received additional funding from The Exchange Club’s 100-Year Grant, along with donations of funds and bedding supplies from local community members. Weekend Backpack benefited from support from The Children’s Resource Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant, while Happy Feet received assistance from a local donor. Additionally, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was supported financially by the Orrville Rotary Club and the Orrville High School Charity Carnival.
“We are incredibly grateful for the individuals and organizations who have stepped up to make this growth possible,” said James Carpenter, Executive Director of Orrville Area United Way. “Their generosity has allowed us to not only meet these growing needs but also expand awareness so that everyone in our community knows about these vital resources, while continuing to support our community partner agencies that address a wide range of challenges.”
Collaboration has been crucial to the success of these programs. Skilled volunteers from Christ United Church of Christ and Trinity United Methodist Church build solid wood beds for Sweet Dreams. Schools play a vital role in identifying students in need and helping distribute Weekend Backpack food bags. The Salvation Army Orrville-Maiwurm Service Center administers three Percy Programs, ensuring these services reach those who need them most. It takes nearly 20 volunteers to run a successful VITA program, with many coming from local businesses that support their staff in volunteering. Additionally, at least nine volunteers each week help serve Friendship Meals.
Orrville Area United Way remains committed to meeting the growing needs of families in the service area and ensuring access to essential resources. For more information about these programs or to learn how to help, contact Orrville Area United Way at 330-683-8181, email jenny.mcfarren@oauw.org, or visit our Percy Programs page.