United Way Launches Volunteer Group for Millennials
United Way of Miami-Dade launched LINC (Lead. Impact. Network. Change.), a new volunteer group focused on harnessing the power of the growing millennial generation. LINC engages early-career individuals who are passionate about the same issues as United Way − helping people find a way forward in the areas of education, financial stability and health — the building blocks for a good life. More than 140 millennials attended the LINC Launch Happy Hour at Sidebar Miami, where they shared a drink with peers and engaged in a volunteer opportunity, assembling literacy kits for preschoolers.
Nearly 100 preschoolers who participate in United Way’s volunteer reader program, ReadingPals, will benefit from the literacy kits that were assembled at the event. Each kit includes a high-quality, age-appropriate book, crayons, a personal note from event guests and an interactive reading activity calendar for December. Literacy kits and take-home books are imperative, because increasing the number of books available to children at home, increases occurrences of reading with others, voluntary reading and overall improvement in basic literacy skills, all of which aligns with ReadingPals’ goal of preparing children for school and life.
LINC executive committee members, Vanessa Botero, Rebecca Brooks, Kelly Tojeiro, Eduardo Moya, Angelica Pardo, Jake Freeman, Maggie Gallagher, Robert Canales, Janae Leth and Lauren Passaro
Rachel Llerena, Jonathan Williams and Carly Nathanson
Angel Terrero shares his story with guests
Julian P. Costa, Alejandra Gomez, Sara Mesa and Steven Trujillo
John Anderson with Matthew Grosack
Sebastian Bravo, Natalie Carrocera, Eduardo Moya and Jackie Jaafar ready to assemble literacy kits
Guests line up to assemble literacy kits for preschool children
Angelica Pardo, Carla Vilchez and Marlene Cordero
Guests enjoying the event
Jabari Garmon and Laura Jasmine assembling literacy kits
