At Sioux Empire United Way, we're excited to highlight our ongoing partnership with Cummins, Inc. As an organization on a mission to make people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world, and a partner of United Way Worldwide, we jumped at the opportunity to work with them again.
For nearly five years, we've partnered together to support children throughout the Sioux Empire. In 2020, they assembled 145 snack packs for KIDSTOP at their campaign rally and in 2021, employees put together 50 children's bicycles. This year, they packed 100 healthy and encouraging snack packs for children enrolled in LSS programs.
One of our goals at Sioux Empire United Way is to ensure that all children in our community have the resources they need to succeed. Partnerships like the one we have with Cummins are essential in achieving this mission. Together, we can create a supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Snack Packs for Smiles
Cummins volunteers came together to create nutritious and encouraging snack packs for children in need. These thoughtful kits will be distributed to two partner programs: Lutheran Social Services Childcare & Education Services and Here4Youth. The snack packs provide more than just food; they symbolize care and community support, boosting the children’s self-esteem and motivation.
On the outside of each bag, Cummins employees included inspiring messages like "You are awesome today" and "Keep smiling!" Inside, children will find cereal, raisins, granola bars, fruit snacks, and more. Each pack featured a handwritten note of encouragement, decorated by the volunteers. These notes included uplifting messages like "Keep doing your best. You’ve got this!" and "Believe in how strong you are!"—small gestures that can make a big difference in a child's day.
Their Impact
Lutheran Social Services Childcare & Education Services
LSS Childcare & Education Services focuses on enriching, hands-on activities that keep children engaged in learning. They provide a caring environment that helps each student succeed, emphasizing strong relationships and the importance of making choices. By offering after-school and summer programs, preschool, and infant and toddler enrichment, LSS ensures that children have a safe and nurturing space to grow. The snack packs from Cummins will help children stay nourished and ready to participate fully in these activities.
Here4Youth
Here4Youth specializes in quality after-school care for children with disabilities. They focus on what children and youth can do, providing education, support, and fun. With a 1:5 staff-to-student ratio, Here4Youth ensures that each child receives the attention they need. The program features a large recreational room, an outdoor play area, a sensory room, and more, all aimed at helping children relieve stress, focus, and interact with others. The snack packs from Cummins will support these children by providing healthy snacks, allowing them to stay energized and engaged.
Partner with Us
We are incredibly grateful for Cummins, Inc. and their continued support. Their dedication to our community and their willingness to lend a hand make a world of difference. As we move forward, we look forward to many more collaborations and the positive impact we can create together.
If your organization wants to join us in making a difference, please reach out to unitedway@seuw.org. Together we can continue supporting and uplifting the children, vulnerable adults, and people in crisis within the Sioux Empire 💙