United Way Suncoast

08/20/2026

In partnership with Verizon, United Way Suncoast, Feeding Tampa Bay, and All Faiths Food Bank, the distribution of more than 6,000 Disaster Preparation Kits continues this month. Both Feeding Tampa Bay and All Faiths are distributing the backpacks through their respective mobile pantries.

Volunteers came together in Tampa and Sarasota in late July to assemble the kits, filling them with essential supplies, including first aid kits, flashlights, emergency preparedness information, waterproof document bags, power banks, and more.

These kits will help families prepare for, respond to, and recover from storms and other emergencies—strengthening community resilience before disaster strikes.

Visit https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/disaster-resilience/ to learn more about our Disaster Resilience efforts.

08/18/2026

Help Kick Off 9/11 Week of Service Early By Creating Appreciation Kits for First Responders!

Join us on September 2 from 11am-2pm at the Mayor's Food Truck Fiesta in Downtown Tampa as we kick off our Week of Service activities. Community members are invited to stop by and help assemble First Responder Appreciation Kits to recognize and thank the men and women who serve our communities every day. The completed kits will be distributed to first responders in our region during the September 11 Week of Service and Remembrance. No registration is required. Simply stop by, lend a hand, and help us show our gratitude to those who dedicate themselves to keeping our communities safe.

Explore all Week of Service and Remembrance opportunities at https://www.volunteersuncoast.org/911-week-of-service

08/18/2026

On this episode of the Freedom to Rise podcast, Bronwyn welcomes education journalists Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times and Derek Gilliam of Suncoast Searchlight about the forces shaping the 2026-27 school year, including declining enrollment, the growth of charters and universal vouchers, and the ripple effects of the Schools of Hope law. They also discuss chronic absenteeism, local funding pressures tied to referendums and tax-collection fees, and why district grades and graduation gains still point to strong work happening in Florida public schools.

Listen here: https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/podcast/ or wherever you stream podcasts.

08/17/2026

08/14/2026

Kourtney Sanchez joins Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon on The Way Forward podcast to talk about her first five weeks as leader of one the region’s most prominent nonprofits — and how she believes her brand of leadership will help United Way Suncoast move forward.

Kourtney Sanchez was named CEO of United Way Suncoast in June, after a national search for a new leader. Prior to the United Way CEO role, Kourtney was the chief …

08/13/2026

Visit Tampa Bay’s 813 Day Bash proved to be a blast. We connected with community members and shared our love of the area. It’s not too late to share your love by making a donation to United Way Suncoast.

https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/813/

08/13/2026

📍 813 is more than an area code. It's home.
This 813 Day, join us in giving back to the communities that make Tampa Bay special. A gift of $8.13 may seem small, but together those dollars create lasting change for local children, families, and communities.

Because when the 813 gives, the whole community benefits.

🔗 Make your 813 count: https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/813/

08/12/2026

Through our Community Impact Investment, United Way Suncoast is helping young adults with foster care experience build the financial skills and stability needed to achieve long‑term success.

Meet Voices for Children and its Opportunity Passport program, an innovative initiative that combines financial literacy training, one‑on‑one financial coaching, and matched savings to help young adults create a stronger future. Participants learn how to manage money, set financial goals, and build healthy financial habits while receiving personalized support from a United Way Suncoast financial coach.

Through a dollar‑for‑dollar savings match of up to $3,000, participants can invest in assets that strengthen their financial stability, including housing, transportation, education, debt repayment, healthcare, and small business expenses. Last year alone, participants improved their savings, increased their credit scores, opened bank accounts, and purchased life‑changing assets that helped them move closer to their goals.

Together, we’re empowering young adults, expanding economic opportunity, and helping foster care alumni build a foundation for lasting financial success.

Real stories. Real impact. Right here in our community.

08/12/2026

❤️ Sometimes the first day of school is just as emotional for parents as it is for children.

For Ebony Winthrop, her son Troy's move to VPK marks the end of a journey that included all four of her sons attending R'Club Child Care, Inc. Lemon Street Early Learning Academy.

Their story is a testament to the power of early learning, strong community partnerships, and the lasting impact of caring educators.

Read how R'Club and United Way Suncoast are helping children and families thrive:

Ebony Winthrop's story illustrates the community impact yielded by the collaboration between R'Club Childcare and United Way Suncoast.

08/11/2026

📚✏️ It's Back-to-School Week, and we're taking a walk down memory lane!

Our United Way Suncoast team is sharing their school photos and favorite school-day memories. From picture day smiles to first-day jitters, these photos remind us that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Take a look at some familiar faces from years gone by and tell us: What was your favorite school memory?