ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – United Way of Greater St. Joseph is inviting community members of all ages to give back this holiday season through its Caring Connection Crew volunteer opportunities. Six sessions are scheduled throughout November, with the goal of assembling 1,800 meal kits to help support neighbors throughout the community.
Volunteers will work together to assemble meal kits containing shelf-stable food items that will be distributed to individuals and families in need through United Way partner agencies, churches, schools and other local organizations.
All sessions will take place at United Way of Greater St. Joseph, 118 South 5th Street, St. Joseph.
Volunteers can choose from six sessions:
• Tuesday, November 17, 5:30–7 p.m.
• Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Friday, November 20, 8–9:30 a.m.
• Saturday, November 21, 9:30–11 a.m.
• Saturday, November 21, 1–2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 25, 10–11:30 a.m.
The holiday season is a time for giving, and United Way Caring Connection Crew offers a hands-on way for community members to come together and make a difference. Each meal kit assembled is a simple act of kindness that helps provide additional support to neighbors and families throughout the region.
“The holidays are a wonderful time to come together and show our neighbors that we care,” said Kylee Strough, President of United Way of Greater St. Joseph. “Whether someone volunteers individually, with their family or alongside coworkers, every helping hand makes a difference. These sessions are more than assembling meal kits. They're about connecting people, giving back and showing what we can accomplish when we work together.”
Launched in 2025, United Way Caring Connection Crew began as a volunteer engagement pilot designed to give community members hands-on opportunities to give back and help others. During its first year, more than 700 volunteers participated in assembling hygiene kits, outdoor fun kits, fresh start kits and other resources distributed through United Way’s community partners.
Since then, Caring Connection Crew volunteers have continued making an impact through meal kit assembly sessions, reaching the milestone of 10,000 meal kits assembled in July 2026.
All ages are welcome to participate, making the sessions an opportunity for individuals, families, friends, businesses and community groups to give back together. Volunteers may sign up for one or more sessions.