United Way of Northwest Georgia Celebrates 25th Annual Make a Difference Day with Record Volunteer Impact
United Way of Northwest Georgia proudly celebrated its 25th Annual Make a Difference Day, an inspiring week of community service that mobilized hundreds of volunteers to improve lives across Whitfield and Murray counties.
Held from October 20 to 25, 2025, this year’s event saw record-setting participation and collaboration among local businesses, schools, and civic groups. Volunteers joined forces to complete projects that strengthened families, beautified neighborhoods, and supported vital programs.
Mannington Mills and Marketing Alliance Group served as Premier Sponsors, each contributing $5,000 in grant funding to help bring these projects to life. Additional community project sponsors included Dalton Utilities, Mohawk Industries, Dalton Parks and Recreation, Shaw Industries, Floating Tree, and United Way’s affinity groups — the Women’s Leadership Council, Young Leaders Society, and Youth United.
“For 25 years, United Way of Northwest Georgia has proudly brought our community together for Make a Difference Day,” said Amanda Burt, President of United Way of Northwest Georgia. “The generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of our volunteers continue to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of local families. United is the Way to Lasting Impact.”
Highlights from Make a Difference Day 2025
Marketing Alliance Group, a Premier Sponsor, led a volunteer project with United Way Community Partner, The Salvation Army, supporting families in its Transitional Housing Program. Volunteers purchased, organized, and stocked all the essentials needed for families to have a fresh start and a smooth transition into the program. The Transitional Housing Program helps unstably housed families gain stability and independence by providing temporary housing, household supplies, and personalized support through a strengths-based service plan.
Mannington Mills, a Premier Sponsor, led a volunteer project at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Northwest Georgia warehouse in Dalton. Volunteers packed boxes filled with nutritious essentials to help ensure that no one in the community goes without during times of crisis. This effort supported the Food Bank’s mission to provide food and hope to neighbors facing hunger across Northwest Georgia.
Dalton Utilities rolled up their sleeves at the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, completing vital maintenance and improvement projects to help ensure a safe, welcoming environment for survivors and their families. Volunteers cleaned gutters, installed gutter guards, pressure-washed exterior areas, renovated the playground shed, and performed general maintenance throughout the property. These efforts enhanced both the safety and appearance of the facility, creating a more dignified and healing space for residents on their journey toward stability and independence.
Mohawk Industries volunteered at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Northwest Georgia warehouse in Dalton to assemble emergency food boxes for local families. Volunteers packed boxes with nutritious essentials, providing immediate relief to neighbors facing hunger and helping ensure no one in the community goes without during times of crisis. In total, Mohawk volunteers built approximately 200 boxes, delivering a powerful example of teamwork and compassion in action.
Dalton Parks and Recreation completed a project at the Dalton Pointe Apartments, constructing a covered bus stop shelter for children waiting for the school bus. The new structure provides protection from rain and harsh weather, creating a safer, more comfortable waiting area for children as they head to school each morning. A special thank you to Leonard Brothers Construction (Dan Trowell) for assisting with post alignment and to Best Buy Metals for generously donating the lumber and roof materials for the shelter.
Shaw Industries transformed the Boys and Girls Club of North Georgia’s Carl Rollins/Dalton Teen Center, giving the entrance a bright new look with fresh paint, new signage, and updated landscaping. Volunteers also installed a flat-screen television in the front lobby to showcase upcoming programs and community events. They added safety window wraps to create a more secure environment for youth. Together, these improvements created a more welcoming, functional, and inspiring space for Club members, families, and visitors—enhancing the Club’s mission to provide a safe place for kids to learn, grow, and succeed.
Floating Tree, a nonprofit focused on food security and sustainability, empowers families to grow and prepare their own food. Volunteers expanded one of its community gardens serving food-insecure families by building two new raised garden beds and filling them with soil for autumn planting. This addition is expected to double the garden’s harvest, providing approximately 80 servings of fresh vegetables monthly to low-income patients at the Living Bridge Center.
Young Leaders Society (YLS) installed a new Born Learning Trail at Eton Elementary School, designed to turn outdoor play into early learning opportunities. Featuring 10 bilingual signs in English and Spanish, the Trail helps prepare children for kindergarten success through activities that build counting, recognition, and problem-solving skills. Special thanks to Chris Crow and his team at Murray County Schools for installing the posts and helping bring this project to life.
The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) expanded United Way’s literacy initiatives by installing and stocking three new Little Free Libraries at Westwood Elementary, Beaverdale Elementary, and Beechland Roundhouse. In addition, Brandy Boling and Katie Hale of Dalton Utilities completed repair work on existing libraries needing maintenance. These libraries provide year-round access to free books, inspiring a love of reading across local neighborhoods. For a complete list of United Way’s Little Free Libraries and to find the one nearest you, visit www.ourunitedway.org/little-free-libraries.
Youth United (YU) participated in the 31st annual Conasauga River Watershed Clean-Up, removing trash from the Lakeshore Park location along the river and contributing to the environmental health of our community.
When there’s a community need, United Way of Northwest Georgia is there. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and resilience, United Way connects people to possibilities.
For 25 years, Make a Difference Day has been a powerful reminder that when we unite to serve, we create lasting change—right here at home!
To learn more or get involved, visit www.ourunitedway.org.