The Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee Backpack Program supplies children who might otherwise go hungry over the weekend with discreet packs of food slipped into their school backpacks on Friday so they will have food to eat at home.

At this year's 2025 Community Impact Breakfast on August 14, several United Way of Sumner County board members served as award presenters.  We asked them to share their "why" for being involved with UWSC.  Here is what Jordan Woodruff, UWSC Board Vice Chair, shared that day:

Good morning, my name is Jordan Woodruff, and I have the pleasure of serving as Vice Chair of the board.

I have been asked to tell you about my WHY for partnering with United Way.

Lorna* had lived in her home for fourteen years. She was the primary support person for her disabled brother, Sam*.  But, in 2022, Lorna lost her job, which was devasting. Due to the job loss, she missed several mortgage payments. Lorna's mortgage company started the foreclosure process shortly after those first few missed payments. 

Thanks to the generosity of our community, this year’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive was quite a success! Together, we collected more than 4,000 school supply items valued at around $3,500, all to help students in Sumner County start the year with the tools they need to succeed.

These supplies are already making a difference through our partner agencies and programs, including distribution to students experiencing homelessness through the Sumner County Schools McKinney-Vento program. Backpacks filled with supplies also went to students from families served by:

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, United Way of Sumner County (UWSC) gathered over 200 community leaders, businesses, donors, advocates, and volunteers for our annual Community Impact Breakfast. This inspiring event celebrated the power of giving, advocacy, and volunteerism while honoring those who make a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors.
 

United Way Agency, Gallatin Shalom Zone, recently shared this success story about a participant in their Children & Youth Programs:

At United Way of Sumner County, we believe lasting change starts with local action, and that no single organization can do it all alone. That’s where the Community Fund comes in.