On September 10, the United Way of Greater Waterbury kicked off its 2026-2027 Annual Campaign with a community breakfast. Over 300 donors, volunteers, partner agencies, corporate sponsors, residents and town officials from the Greater Waterbury region gathered to launch the campaign season.
Saint Mary's Hospital leadership and colleagues attend the United Way of Greater Waterbury's annual campaign's kickoff breakfast.
This year’s campaign theme, “Start With Yes,” is a call to action that encourages people to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether it is providing food, helping a child get books, offering stable housing, accessing childcare or improving mental health, the act of saying “yes” has the power to change the lives of those you help. “Too often, the instinct is to assume that someone else will step in to help a neighbor…With your yes, we can move beyond hesitation. We can take action, have immediate impact, create a lasting effect and even prevent struggles from happening in the first place,” said Stephen Lewis, 2026-2027 Campaign Chair, Thomaston Savings Bank.
In support of local shelter partners, attendees were encouraged to donate antiperspirant and deodorant to support those who utilize the United Way of Greater Waterbury’s shelter and pantry partners. Volunteers collected these items onsite and sorted them for distribution, reinforcing the campaign’s commitment to meeting immediate community needs.