United Way of the Lower Shore’s “United Is the Way” Campaign Underway

Salisbury, MD — United Way of the Lower Shore’s 2025-2026 “United Is the Way” campaign is in full force. The annual Fall kickoff, hosted in partnership with Salisbury University, rallied 200 community leaders, businesses, and volunteers to fuel another year of local impact across Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Participants enjoyed firsthand stories from corporate and nonprofit partners and United Way volunteers about the impact investing time and resources with United Way has for them and their teams.

“After celebrating 80 years of neighbors helping neighbors, we’re building on that legacy in our 81st year — highlighting how United Is the Way we all can help our Lower Shore neighbors thrive,” shared Mary Mengason, United Way’s Board Chair.

Heading into 2026, United Way is supporting 41 local nonprofits focused on improving health & wellness, youth opportunities, financial security, and community resiliency. Along with nearly a dozen United Way direct programs and initiatives, the local impact remains significant, reaching one in three Lower Shore residents each year.

United Way’s ALICE® report states an average of 47% of local households are struggling to make ends meet, despite working hard, often in multiple jobs. Continued inflation, layoffs, and the longer-term impacts from the government shutdown and pause of SNAP funding have an even larger impact on ALICE® households who were already making hard choices on how to get by each month.

“Now is the time to come together and act. Our neighbors on the Lower Eastern Shore need help, and nonprofits can’t do it without public support,” shared Amanda Hailey, Development Leader. “Every dollar given makes an impact on individuals and families right here in our own neighborhoods.”

Hailey explained there are many ways to support our United Way and its local partners like: Giving in a workplace campaign, easily making any pre-tax gift affordable; leveraging a year-end gift via an investment’s Required Minimum Distribution; utilizing Donor Advised Funds; giving through Crypto or Venmo, or supporting a fun event like Over the Edge for ALICE in May 2026, or the United Way’s annual Holiday Ball auction. “We are incredibly thankful for our donors, sponsors, community partners and volunteers. Every dollar and every hour truly make a difference.”

United Way also supports emergent community needs through the LIVE UNITED Response Fund, Food Drive and Resource page (www.uwles.org/resources), all currently active to help meet growing needs of food and financial insecurity for neighbors. Recent mini-grants to about 20 local food programs to nonprofits, the four counties’ public-school systems, Salisbury Police, Salisbury University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Wor-Wic Community College, were made possible through generous support from Perdue Farms and local donors, with collected food being distributed weekly. Both the fund and food drive will remain open during the holiday season to provide opportunities for anyone to help as they can. Food donations can be dropped at the United Way office Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

“When we unite our efforts, we create real, lasting change — because United Is the Way we help others which makes our community stronger for everyone. It’s not just words, it’s real impact,” Pam Gregory, UWLES President & CEO shared.

Call or visit www.uwles.org to explore ways to support financially and volunteer throughout the year.

About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 81 years of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved. For more information on United Way or to help make a difference visit: www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org, Facebook @uwles, Instagram @unitedwayles, or LinkedIN @uwles.