United Way of Greater Cleveland brought together nearly 300 volunteers for a Day of Action on National 211 Day to provide free access to everyday essentials in thirty Blessings Boxes available at all Cleveland Public Libraries.
On National 211 Day, United Way of Greater Cleveland mobilized nearly 300 volunteers for a Day of Action focused on meeting neighbors’ basic needs through hands-on service and community partnership.
Volunteers gathered at United Way’s downtown Cleveland offices to build and prepare stock for 30 Blessing Boxes, which will be installed in all Cleveland Public Library branches across the city within the next two weeks. Modeled after Little Free Libraries, the boxes operate on a take what you need, leave what you can philosophy and provide free access to everyday essentials, including hygiene items, baby supplies, cleaning products, shelf-stable food, and more.
The Day of Action also reflects what United Way of Greater Cleveland continues to see through 211 calls and its most recent research in the 2025 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report which shows that many hard-working individuals and families across Greater Cleveland are still struggling to make ends meet despite being employed and often holding more than one job. Having access to essentials like food, hygiene products, and household supplies remains a daily concern for many working families, reinforcing the need for community-based support alongside broader efforts to improve financial stability for all Greater Clevelanders.
Today’s volunteers included United Way’s board members and employees, Emerging Leaders and Lead United affinity group members, workplace campaign donors, and community partners. The Day of Action was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including BakerHostetler, Benesch, CBIZ, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, KeyBank, the NRP Group, Sherwin-Williams, Thompson Hine, and Waste Management.
United Way staff also hosted an informational table at the Cleveland Cavaliers game yesterday, sharing how residents can access free, confidential support through 211 — anytime, anywhere.
Those who are interested in locating a Blessing Box at a Cleveland Public Library near them are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or visit 211oh.org to chat with a United Way of Greater Cleveland 211 navigator.
Media for download
B-roll footage
- Interviews with Sharon Sobol Jordan, United Way of Greater Cleveland’s President and CEO; Vanessa Whiting, United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Board Chair; Monica Rudzinski , Manager – Sterling Branch at Cleveland Public Library; and Sonali Wilson, General Counsel, CSU and United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Board Member
- Volunteer engagement and team activity
- Blessing Box assembly, painting, decoration, and completion
- Donated new, unopened products being sorted and placed in bags to be transported to and stocked by Cleveland Public Library team members
- United Way branding and signage
