Orrville Area United Way 

   Photo: James Carpenter presenting the Annual Impact Overview.
James Carpenter Shares United Way’s Community Impact with Orrville Rotary
 
James Carpenter, Executive Director of the Orrville Area United Way (OAUW), was the featured speaker at the Orrville Rotary Club’s weekly meeting this past Tuesday. Carpenter provided an inspiring overview of the organization's recent accomplishments, emphasizing the deep impact United Way continues to have across Orrville, Dalton, and Marshallville.  During his presentation, Carpenter celebrated the success of the 2024-2025 campaign, which raised an impressive $740,000—surpassing their ambitious goal of $725,000. “This is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our community,” Carpenter shared. “With a small but mighty team of three staff members and the support of hundreds of volunteers, we continue to make a difference where it’s needed most.”
 
Carpenter highlighted the four key focus areas of the OAUW mission: nurturing children and youth, helping in hard times, promoting health and wellness, and developing life skills. These efforts translated into over 26,000 services provided last year, as well as significant financial support to over a dozen local agencies and community initiatives.
Some of the major 2025 grant recipients include:
  • Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club: $115,000
  • Salvation Army Orrville-Maiwurm Service Center: $77,500
  • Viola Startzman Clinic: $55,000
  • OneEighty: $41,500
  • YMCA of Wayne County Orrville: $17,500
  • Further Together Summer Grant: $30,000
In addition to financial support, Carpenter emphasized the importance of volunteerism, noting that more than 400 volunteers contributed over 2,600 hours this past year. Projects like the annual Day of Caring, which saw 260 volunteers complete 39 local service initiatives, reflect the strength and spirit of the community.  Carpenter also acknowledged the many businesses and individuals recognized in the “Leaders in Giving” section of their impact report and highlighted the recent recipients of the Gene & Mickey Workman Lifetime Achievement Award and the Patti Ayers “YES!” Award, honoring those who exemplify service and dedication.
 
The Orrville Area United Way continues to prove that when a community comes together, lives are changed, and hope is restored. For more information, visit their website ​a​t orrvilleareaunitedway.org