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News and Blog

  • Fashions for Evergreens 2025 —  A Record-Breaking Season

    Fashions for Evergreens 2025 — A Record-Breaking Season

    Fashions for Evergreens 2025 Recap This holiday season, Fashions for Evergreens proved once again what’s possible when creativity, generosity, and community come together. In partnership with The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, decorators, sponsors, and supporters delivered one of the most successful seasons in the event’s history—turning a cherished holiday tradition into meaningful local impact.

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  • Community Resiliency Starts With Families — and Grows Through Partnership

    Community Resiliency Starts With Families — and Grows Through Partnership

    During this season of gratitude and giving, many of us reflect on what it truly means to be a strong community. At United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, community resiliency starts with families — and grows through the partnerships, programs, and people who support them every day. Resiliency isn’t just about responding to crises. It’s

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  • What Is Giving Tuesday? The Story of a Global Movement — and How It Strengthens Communities Like Ours

    What Is Giving Tuesday? The Story of a Global Movement — and How It Strengthens Communities Like Ours

    You’ve likely heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday — the two biggest shopping days of the year. But in 2012, something new emerged: a day dedicated not to spending, but to giving. Giving Tuesday was created by New York’s 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact as a reminder

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  • Why Food Drives Matter: Small Acts That Build Community Resilience

    Why Food Drives Matter: Small Acts That Build Community Resilience

    As the holiday season begins, many families in our region are facing rising food costs, reduced benefits, and growing uncertainty. For some, the pantry runs low long before the next paycheck arrives. That’s why community-led efforts like the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) food drive matter. This week, WVWA and UWVBR staff collected and delivered hundreds of

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  • Why Giving Builds Resilient Communities

    Why Giving Builds Resilient Communities

    When people come together to give—whether it’s time, money, or a helping hand—they do more than meet an immediate need. They build the foundation of a resilient community. Resiliency isn’t just about recovering from disasters; it’s about ensuring families can withstand everyday challenges—like job loss, health struggles, or food insecurity—and still find a way forward.

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  • How Financial Stability Builds Resilient Communities

    How Financial Stability Builds Resilient Communities

    Financial Strength = Community Strength A resilient community isn’t only about weathering natural disasters—it’s built through everyday stability. When families can handle unexpected costs, when parents feel secure in their jobs, and when neighbors support one another’s economic well-being, communities grow stronger from the ground up. Why the Financial Landscape Matters Recent data tell a

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  • How Food Security Builds Resilient Communities

    How Food Security Builds Resilient Communities

    Food is more than fuel—it’s a foundation. When families have reliable access to nutritious meals, it strengthens their ability to thrive in school, work, and life. On World Food Day and every day, it’s essential to recognize how food security is a pillar of community resiliency—the capacity of communities to absorb hardship, adapt, and grow

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  • How Community Support Strengthens Mental Health

    How Community Support Strengthens Mental Health

    In recognition of World Mental Health Day — October 10, 2025 When we think about community health, we often picture food drives, afterschool programs, or access to medical care. But one essential piece connects them all: mental health. This World Mental Health Day, the global theme is clear—“Mental health is a universal human right.” Everyone deserves access to

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