Hats off to the Tocqueville Society members and their families who helped fight hunger this holiday season by assisting Families Forward in assembling and distributing Thanksgiving meal baskets for 900 local seniors and families in need. Members of the Tocqueville Society have made this a family tradition for over a decade and United Way continues to bring the largest volunteer groups together for this effort. According to Margie Wakeham, Executive Director at Families Forward, one of United Way’s Rapid Rehousing partners, it’s one of the largest events they do. The organization expects more than 1,000 volunteers this holiday season. “I have been volunteering for five years and it’s nice to give back to the community,” noted Morgan, the 10 year-old daughter of Bill and Christine Mecklenburg.

The Tocqueville Society members are local philanthropists that invest $10,000 annually in United Way’s work to improve conditions for Orange County children, families and individuals. Throughout the United States, there are more than 26,000 members working together to change lives.

Across town at the Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange, the energetic members of Women United handed out turkeys to more than 250 families. Throughout the year, Women United members participate in networking, fundraising and volunteer activities that bring greater awareness to the issues facing local families.

Women United is a dedicated group of women Leaders’ Society members that invest $1,000 or more annually. The success behind Women United lies in their passion. Each year they inspire and motivate women to make a difference by taking on a leadership role in advancing our work to transform lives in Orange County.

See photos from the Thanksgiving meal basket distribution event and the Turkey Give-A-Way event or learn about more volunteer engagement activities.