For 36 years strong, United Way of Martin County has been the heartbeat of holiday generosity, ensuring every child experiences festive magic through the United Way Holiday Project.
As the local coordinating organization for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program, United
Way collaborates with the Martin County School District and over 45 nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations, and schools to screen and refer families who just need an extra hand up during the holiday season.
Beginning in November, the Martin County Fairgrounds is transformed into Santa’s Workshop, where more than 344 volunteers devoted 2,073 hours of their time to sort toys by age, gender and price – giving families a personalized and dignified shopping experience. Along with toys, families received fresh produce and groceries for a traditional holiday meal.
With the help of over 160 local businesses that serve as toy collection sites, United Way turned ‘Letters to Santa’ into a reality, distributing more than 17,605 toys and 25,838 pounds of food to 3,729 children and 833 families during the two-day event.
A standout highlight of the Holiday Project was the donation of 523 brand-new bicycles from Zweben Law Group, a tradition they’ve upheld for 11 years. Thanks to their record-breaking contribution, more than half of the participating families saw a shiny new bike under their tree. Martin County Fire Rescue lent a helping hand, assembling the bikes just in time for Santa’s delivery.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we received this year,” said United Way of Martin County President & CEO Carol G. Houwaart-Diez. “With tornadoes having swept through our town just weeks prior, we knew many families, beyond those already struggling, would need a little extra help this holiday season. Thanks to the kindness of our community, we were able to bring joy and relief to so many children and their families.”
This monumental effort was made possible by the generosity of local businesses, community organizations, sponsors, and individual donors. United Way extends a special thank you to Wilmington Trust, Ashley Capital, Rubin & Rubin, STS Aviation Group, iHeart Radio, WPTV, Waste Management and House of Hope for their support.
“While United Way dedicates countless hours and energy to this project, it truly takes a united community to make it happen,” said Houwaart-Diez. “This is a shining example of what we can achieve together. We all win when we Live United.”