Know Your Org: Plymouth Community United Way

"Know Your Org" is an informational series designed to spotlight some of the wonderful organizations in our community. This month we are highlighting Plymouth Community United Way. 

Although they are associated with the United Way Worldwide Network, Plymouth Community United Way (PCUW) is funded and governed locally, meaning they focus their efforts on serving the needs of Plymouth, Canton, and Western Wayne County. We spoke with PCUW president Marie Morrow to learn more about this community-minded organization.

A Community Fund Begins

Plymouth Community United Way was established in 1943, though they have changed names several times over the years. Originally called the War Chest, they were known subsequently as both the Red Feather and the Community Fund before they joined the global United Way. Regardless of the name, their commitment to serving local communities has remained the same.

A Helping Hand in Your Neighborhood

PCUW’s mission statement is straightforward and to the point: “The Plymouth Community United Way’s Mission is to reach out and serve human needs.” Morrow tells us that they focus on the areas of basic needs, education, health, and stability. They assist those in need with rent, utility payments, and other funds to help people make ends meet and stay safely sheltered.

To aid educational needs they hold supply drives, assist with certain education-related expenses, and have even paid for an emotional support dog for the local school district. To promote health and stability, they have programs in place to help the elderly, hospice patients, domestic violence survivors, and those experiencing grief. PCUW even has a dental care fund for those who don’t have dental insurance.

Morrow emphasized that while they are part of the global United Way, they are a completely independent organization in terms of fundraising and the distribution of funds and services. They help those in need, and all donations remain 100% within the community.

How to Help Out 

If you’d like to get involved, collection boxes for their various drives can be requested by local businesses or other organizations, and they also accept volunteers. Applications are available online, and they are always interested in utilizing volunteers’ specialized skills when they are needed. Another simple way is to donate money, which can be done online, via text, over the phone, or by mail.

The PCUW frequently holds drives for food or other supplies and will be collecting items for a winter clothing drive from November 2 to December 4. They also regularly collect hats, blankets and the like for individuals experiencing homelessness and have held several “baby shower drives” for low-income pregnant women.

For more information, be sure to check out their events and programs.