Category: Press Release

FORT WAYNE, IND. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Allen County is calling on community members to volunteer for the upcoming Hot Cider Hustle, a fun, fall-themed race supporting critical needs in our community.

The family-friendly event will take place on Sunday, October 12th and offers 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon options for participants—but it’s the volunteers behind the scenes who truly make it happen! We need passionate, dependable volunteers to fill roles including:

• Registration assistants
• Water station attendants
• Course marshals
• Post-race food distributors (hot cider/caramel apples)

Whether you’re cheering on runners or handing out cider, you’ll be making a direct impact on our community.

This is a perfect opportunity for individuals, students, corporate teams, and service groups looking to give back, earn volunteer hours, or simply enjoy a meaningful fall day.

Sign up to volunteer here: https://unitedwayallencounty.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/a6dd7440-9c07-4009-b194-d44eeebe8527

Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Ave.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Event Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Want to run instead? Use code UWAC10 for 10% off registration, and a portion of your fee will support United Way of Allen County!

Let’s come together this fall to run with purpose, sip some cider, and support Allen County—one step at a time.

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About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we will boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.

FORT WAYNE (November 10, 2025) – United Way of Allen County launched an Emergency Food Campaign on October 30th and has raised $40,000 of its $45,000 goal to support Associated Churches, Community Harvest, and Miss Virginia’s. The community is encouraged to help close the final gap to ensure these food pantries receive critical funds before the holidays.

The ongoing federal government shutdown is having serious repercussions for families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While recent news indicates the state is working to at least partially fund SNAP, uncertainty remains about when families will receive relief. This directly affects many of the individuals and families our partners serve. Reduced or delayed SNAP benefits mean increased reliance on local food pantries.

In response, United Way of Allen County has launched an Emergency Food Campaign to provide immediate relief to raise funds for their three partner food pantries — Associated Churches, Community Harvest, and Miss Virginia’s to help keep pantry shelves stocked.

United Way of Allen County began with an initial $5,000 contribution to incentivize additional matches with the goal of raising at least $45,000. One community member quickly matched it. With a match secured, United Way has had several other donors and organizations contribute. To date, United Way has secured $40,000, bringing us closer to our goal. United Way anticipates presenting each pantry with approximately $15,000 within the next few weeks to support their critical work.

If you’re interested in joining United Way for this match campaign — or know of an organization that may be interested, please contact Brandi Buck at bbuck@uwacin.org.

Looking ahead, in February United Way of Allen County will also host their annual food drive to collect nonperishable items and continue sustaining these vital organizations through the winter months.

About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.

FORT WAYNE (November 14, 2025) – United Way of Allen County is proud to announce that it has met its $45,000 goal for the Emergency Food Campaign, supporting Associated Churches, Community Harvest, and Miss Virginia’s food pantries.

Launched October 30 in response to the federal government shutdown and its impact on families relying on SNAP benefits, the campaign was created to provide immediate relief for local food pantries facing increased demand.

“We are so grateful to our community for coming together to meet this important goal,” said Brandi Buck, Executive Director of United Way of Allen County. “Because of their generosity, families across Allen County will have access to the food and support they need during this challenging time.”

Funds will be distributed to partner agencies in the coming days. United Way will continue supporting food access through its annual food drive held in February, helping keep shelves stocked through the winter months. Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in sponsoring the drive or hosting a collection bin are encouraged to contact United Way for details.

About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.

FORT WAYNE (Jan. 27, 2026) – Free tax help is available to area residents now through April 8, 2026. For residents with income under $69,000 in 2025, IRS certified volunteer tax preparers help residents file their taxes & claim available credits. United Way partners with Volunteer Center and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend to offer the VITA program in Allen, DeKalb, Noble, and Steuben counties.

 

This free tax preparation service brings nearly $3 million back into the local community in refunds and saves residents nearly $800,000 in preparation fees, keeping more money in the pockets of those who need it the most.

 

“At United Way we are committed to breaking down barriers that make it difficult for families and individuals to gain financial stability, making the VITA program crucial to this community. With rising costs, individuals in our community are struggling and have to face the decision of paying for tax preparation fees versus putting food on the table or paying their rent. This program provides an opportunity for them to file their taxes for free while saving every dollar possible.” shares Ruthie Hall, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Allen County.

 

This year’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, will be drop-off only locations. The Allen County site, which is operated by the Volunteer Center, is located at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1101 S. Lafayette Street. For DeKalb, Noble, and Steuben counties, you may contact the Catholic Charities’ Auburn Office at (260) 385-6598 to schedule an appointment to drop-off tax documents. To view all times, locations, and necessary documents to bring to the VITA program sites for the 2026 year, please visit: https://www.unitedwayallencounty.org/vita/

 

In addition to VITA, United Way is providing online tax filing software, accessible through MyFreeTaxes.com, to help taxpayers easily and accurately file their taxes from their computer or smart phone. MyFreeTaxes® is a free and easy way to file simple federal and state tax returns for households with an income less than $89,000 in 2025. A list of the tax forms included in this free offering is available by visiting MyFreeTaxes.com.

 

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About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we will boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.

 

FORT WAYNE (February 13, 2026) – United Way of Allen County is hosting its 6th annual Community Food Drive from February 16 – March 3, 2026. This event is sponsored by Meijer, Chuck and Tammy Yeaser, USW Local 715, Barnes & Thornburg, Bowen Health, PHP, Jill & Samuel Boggs, AID of Indiana, Northeast Indiana AFL-CIO, Salsa Grille, Stephanie and Joel Crandall, and Fort Wayne Newspapers.

Three local food banks will benefit from the food drive: Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, and Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry. As the cost of basic needs continues to rise, more households are struggling. This annual food drive is one of the many ways United Way is working to reduce food insecurity, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.

“Food is more than nourishment—it’s how families connect. Following the holidays and amid a SNAP disruption, this food drive helps families continue to share meals together, easing stress and reinforcing the sense of community that is essential to long-term stability.” said Brandi Buck, Executive Director of United Way of Allen County.

United Way will continue their partnership with Salsa Grille to encourage the community to donate nonperishable food items at any Salsa Grille location in Fort Wayne. Due to the increased demand, Common Grounds Coffeehouse located at 909 Main Street in New Haven will also serve as a public drop-off location to further engage and support local efforts through food donations.

Additionally, United Way is collaborating with 36 community partner organizations for an internal food drive collection benefiting Allen County. The goal is to surpass last year’s total of nearly 10,000 pounds of food.

A grocery list of suggested items can be found on our website: www.unitedwayallencounty.org/food-drive

Public Site Locations:

• Salsa Grille North – 7755 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
• Salsa Grille Northeast – 5709 YMCA Pk. Dr W, Fort Wayne, IN 46835
• Salsa Grille Coventry – 5735 Falls Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46804
• Salsa Grille Taqueria (George’s International Market) – 2031 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
• Common Grounds Coffeehouse – 909 Main Street, New Haven, IN 46774

Food donations needed are canned meat/protein, peanut butter, canned beans, boxed dinners, rice, pasta, and cereal. These items must be unopened, non-perishable, not homemade, not expired, and not in glass containers. You can also make a monetary donation to the Community Food Drive by visiting www.unitedwayallencounty.org/food-drive or by texting FOOD26 to 41444. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@uwacin.org.

 

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About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we will boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.