Seasons of Caring - United Way of Dane County

United Way brings people together to help make Dane County stronger. One of the ways we do this is through volunteerism – mobilizing the caring power of our community to make meaningful and lasting change. The Holiday Wish List is the premier resource for holiday volunteerism and donations. It gives people in our community the opportunity to share the giving spirit and help others during the holiday season. Because while we can’t fix all of the issues affecting our communality overnight, we can unite to address the most urgent needs facing families today.

This year marks the second year that we’ve partnered with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program! In an effort to better serve the families that are most in need, we’ve implemented a new toy distribution process. This new process does not include a distribution at The Alliant Energy Center. Instead, we’ve teamed up with several nonprofit organizations and local school districts who can more adequately assess the families who meet the spirit and intent of the Toys for Tots program. These partners are currently leading outreach to families in need. If you’d like to learn more or donate a toy, please visit the Toys for Tots website. To learn more about Toys for Tots volunteer opportunities – and other ways to get involved this holiday season – click on our Holiday Wish List below.

Please share the Holiday Wish List with your friends, family and neighbors so that we can make the biggest possible impact. We’re so grateful for your dedication and commitment to making Dane County a place where everyone can succeed in school, work and life. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All.

Thanks to our 2022 Seasons of Caring Sponsors!

Thanks to Our Toys for Tots Media Partner and Sponsor

Additional Thanks to Our In-Kind Sponsors

American Family Insurance, Madison Mallards, Old National Bank, Pepsi of Madison and Reynolds Transfer & Storage

Winter Seasons of Caring: Toys for Tots

Holiday Wish List

November 1 - December 31

Give Back This Holiday Season

American Family Insurance, Madison Mallards, Old National Bank, Pepsi of Madison and Reynolds Transfer & Storage

For several years, the Marine Toys for Tots program has made it their mission to distribute new toys, books and other gifts to Dane & Jefferson County families in need – so that everyone may experience the joy of the season. This year, in order to better determine which families are most in need, they’ve partnered with us to implement a new toy distribution process. This new process will not include a distribution at The Alliant Energy Center. Instead, we have teamed up with numerous nonprofit organizations and local school districts who can more adequately assess the families who meet the spirit and intent of the Toys for Tots program.

Live in Jefferson County? Jefferson County Christmas Neighbors will be handling distribution in your area. To learn more, visit their website or give them a call at 920-674-4499 before December 6.

Partners include:

School Districts:
Belleville, Marshall, MMSD, Mt. Horeb, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Heights, Verona
Community Partners:
Black Girl Magic Educational Services, Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, Briarpatch, Centro Hispano, Reach Dane, START

Winter Seasons of Caring: Empty Stocking Club

Empty Stocking Club will also be distributing holiday toys to children ages 18 years and younger. Parents and legal guardians can choose one new, unwrapped toy that they wish to give each of their children. Empty Stocking Club applications must be completed and submitted between Sunday, November 7 – Tuesday, December 7. If you have questions, please visit the Empty Stocking Club website, email emptystockingclub@gmail.com or call 211 for more information.

Winter Seasons of Caring: Holiday Wish List

November 15 – December 31, 2021

The season of giving is upon us! The Holiday Wish List is the premier resource for holiday volunteerism and donations. It gives people in our community the opportunity to share the giving spirit and help others during the holiday season. Because while we can’t fix all of the issues affecting our community overnight, we can unite to address the most urgent needs facing families today. The 2021 Holiday Wish List will be available on VolunteerYourTime.org – please share with your friends, families and neighbors so that we can make the biggest possible impact.

Summer Days of Action

June 17 - 25

School Supply Drive & Backpack Packing

Friday, July 15, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Old National Bank

Save the Date!

Community Kickoff

Tuesday, August 23, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Madison Mallards Duck Pond

Spring Seasons of Caring: Spring Into Action!

April 17 – 23, 2022

With extra daylight likely bringing some pep back into your step, channel your new-found energy to volunteer your time in Dane County! A full list of the most current volunteer opportunities at our nonprofit partners will be available on VolunteerYourTime.org – we hope you’ll participate in any way you can!

Summer Seasons of Caring: Days of Action

June 24 – 25, 2022

Summer is approaching, and with it longer, sunnier days! What will you do with your extra daylight hours? Give your time to our community by volunteering. Our local nonprofit partners will be hosting on-site volunteer engagements – and there will be opportunities for people of all ages and interests! Check out VolunteerYourTime.org for all of the details.

Fall Seasons of Caring: Community Kickoff

August 23, 2022

Community Kickoff marks the start of United Way’s annual campaign to support our community’s Agenda for Change programming. Join us to participate in family-friendly volunteer projects and tackle our community’s toughest challenges. Check out VolunteerYourTime.org for all of the details!

Seasons of Caring: National Volunteer Days

September 11, 2021

This year on the anniversary of 9/11, we’re encouraging the community to participate in the National Day of Service and Remembrance. While we reflect on those we’ve lost and those who served on that devastating day and beyond, we hope you’ll also take time to volunteer and make a positive difference right here in Dane County. A host of opportunities to fit different interests, abilities and age groups are listed on VolunteerYourTime.org.

October 23, 2021

As we move into the last quarter of the year, there’s still time to make a difference. In fact, October 23 is National Make a Difference Day! As our community continues to work toward recovery after a historically challenging year, we have an opportunity to build back better – and you can help. Mark your calendars and visit VolunteerYourTime.org to select a volunteer opportunity that fits your skills and interests.

September and October 2022

Throughout the year, Seasons of Caring fosters inter-generational volunteerism with opportunities for the whole family. New in 2021! We are offering four smaller volunteer engagements in May, July, September and October. Check out VolunteerYourTime.org for all of the details!