The Gratitude Project is all about breaking new ground in how we connect and support our communities year-round. It’s United Way’s call to action, dedicated to mobilizing the doers—individuals, organizations, and corporate partners—to come together and boost resource accessibility. The Gratitude Project features donation drives, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to providing essential resources where they’re needed most.  

By appreciating and leveraging corporate stewardship, we’re unlocking new opportunities for community involvement and enhancing our partnerships in fresh and impactful ways, such as with the Day of Gratitude. This Spring/Summer, the spotlight was on this standout event in the Gratitude Project’s calendar, focusing on a vital need: personal hygiene products for individuals facing housing insecurity. While often overlooked, these essentials are crucial for maintaining health and dignity. 

We’re excited to recap our first Day of Gratitude, an event that embodied fun, community, and corporate stewardship.  

We strengthened our relationships with corporate partners by inviting them to actively participate in the Day of Gratitude. We successfully engaged 50 employees from eight companies, including P&G Gillette, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Eastern Bank, Google, Breckenridge Capital Advisors, KPMG, Wellington Management Company, and Boston Consulting Group, laying the groundwork for ongoing, year-round collaboration. 

Many thanks to our generous partners at P&G Gillette for providing the venue for the Day of Gratitude and donating 3,000 bottles of shampoo and conditioner! 

Through these partnerships and a dedicated team of volunteers, we assembled and delivered hygiene essentials bags to 1,000 families across our region. The items in the bags were thoughtfully selected based on community input, ensuring they met the specific needs of those we serve. The bags were distributed to organizations such as La Colaborativa in Chelsea, IFSI in Mattapan, Haitian Community Partners in Brockton, New Healthy Mass in Auburndale, Meryl Safe Haven in Worcester, Dwelling House of Hope in Lowell, and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council in Lawrence, each receiving 125 bags. This effort directly impacted their well-being and resource accessibility. 

The Day of Gratitude wasn’t just about handing out supplies; it was about creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity. 

Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved—from our corporate partners who provided vital resources to the volunteers who packed and delivered the bags—this event demonstrated what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause. Remember, the Gratitude Project is ongoing, with always new ways to get involved and make a difference.  

The Day of Gratitude was more than a single day of action; it was a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every partnership forged contributed to a brighter, more supportive future for those in need. 

Stay tuned for future opportunities to join us in creating positive change. Together, we’re not just making an impact; we’re redefining what it means to care for one another. 

Make an impact this holiday season. Join us November 20^th at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center for the 25^th Annual Gratitude Project Holiday Food Essentials to pack 10,000 bags of food. Registration opens in October!