The United Way of Knox County officially launched its 2025 fundraising campaign during the Knox County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Green Activities Center on the Vincennes University campus. This year’s campaign theme is “Changing Directions, Changing Lives,” emphasizing the power of community support to create long-term, positive outcomes for individuals and families.
Executive Director Scott Charleston said the campaign supports more than 30 local organizations, from food pantries to early education programs, and that every donation has the potential to make a meaningful impact. He added that a partnership with the Lilly Foundation allows donations to be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the effect of each gift.
Charleston encouraged those who may not be familiar with United Way to get involved by starting small. “If you can just start by volunteering for the United Way—whether that is through the campaign event, the Chili Cook-off, or whatever we have going on—I think that is where you start,” he said. “It’s going to give you a lot of insight into what the United Way does, how we help, and who we help.”
One of the ways to volunteer is through the annual Day of Caring, one of the county’s largest volunteer initiatives. The 2025 event is scheduled for Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19, and invites individuals, businesses, schools, churches, and community groups to take part in community-based service projects and a county-wide food collection effort. Projects include landscaping, painting, minor repairs, and other tasks that benefit local nonprofit agencies and public spaces.
“Day of Caring is a special time in Knox County where people can roll up their sleeves and work together to improve the place we all call home,” Charleston said. “Whether you’re volunteering for the first time or returning with your team, your time and effort make a real impact.”
Volunteers can register individually or as part of a group and will be matched with projects that fit their interests and availability. All participants will receive a free Day of Caring t-shirt. To sign up, visit www.unitedwayofknoxcounty.org/form/volunteer-knox-day-of-caring-202.
This year’s campaign chairs are Carson and Whitney Thacker. They told attendees they were excited to lead the effort and see firsthand how United Way programs assist local residents. “It’s amazing how many of your coworkers, your neighbors, people that you know in the community actually utilize these services, and it helps them get through the times that they need it,” Carson Thacker said. “Generosity is part of our family core values, and we are really excited to see what we can do and what we can raise this year.”
United Way of Knox County supports a wide range of local programs, including Kindergarten Jumpstart, tutoring for early grade levels, and outreach efforts to support families facing homelessness. The organization will also host additional fundraising and awareness events throughout the year.
For more information about donating, volunteering, or participating in the Day of Caring, visit www.unitedwayofknoxcounty.org or contact the United Way office at (812) 882-3624.
