By Gari Voss
The Ottawa Allegan United Way in collaboration with the Allegan Ottawa Barry Migrant Resource Council addressed the needs of people who are living in Michigan but have no previous experience with winter weather. This required gathering hundreds of winter weather items, organizing them, then distributing them to agencies and individuals across Allegan County.
A key group of project volunteers came from Perrigo in Allegan. Perrigo believes in the importance of increasing employee engagement with the community. These interactions enhance “personal and professional development.” These hours of giving include the Global Day of Caring that puts volunteers into the community.
The positive interactions with the communities in Allegan County have included participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, and STEM projects,
In addition, employees make contributions to the non-profit Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation. These endeavors include Caring 4 Communities, Allegan Homeless Solutions, Safe Harbor, Allegan and Fennville Public Schools, and other programs and/or activities that address healthcare, education and support services.
The Allegan United Way continues to meet the needs of people from where they are then assist them in reaching new goals for healthier living.