Helping Hands: Macy’s and United Way Bring Gifts to Imperial County Families in Need

Helping Hands: Macy’s and United Way Bring Gifts to Imperial County Families in Need

January 10, 2025 | 3:26 PM

Calipatria, CA — In a powerful show of community support, Calipatria State Prison (CAL) raised over $4,400 to aid Los Angeles County residents impacted by recent wildfires.
Following the deployment of CAL’s fire chief and two fire captains to assist with the Palisades Fire, the institution’s incarcerated population was inspired to contribute to recovery efforts. Many of those incarcerated at CAL have personal ties to the Los Angeles area and felt compelled to act.
Led by Community Resources Manager Heather Duarte and in partnership with the United Way of Imperial County, a facility-wide donation drive was launched. Through a voluntary submission of Trust Account Withdrawal Slips, a friendly competition between housing units quickly gained momentum. Within just 11 days, the initiative raised $4,432.
On February 14, the donation was presented to United Way Executive Director Ken Wuytens, who commended the effort.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see this level of empathy and civic responsibility,” said Wuytens. “The support shown by Calipatria State Prison is both generous and inspiring.”
Incarcerated participant Ronneld Johnson reflected on the experience: “This was a meaningful opportunity for us to give back and support our communities in a positive way.”
This initiative underscores the capacity for compassion, generosity, and community engagement—even within the confines of incarceration.

Macy’s has extended its generosity to families in Imperial County by partnering with Imperial County United Way to provide over 50 gifts to local families in need. This meaningful initiative brought joy and support to the community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration during challenging times.

The donation effort focused on helping families who are facing economic hardship, many of whom are connected to local outreach programs supported by Imperial County United Way. The gifts included a variety of items such as children’s toys, school supplies, and other essentials carefully chosen to meet the needs of each family.

This event was more than just a gift giveaway—it was a moment of hope for parents and children alike. Families expressed deep appreciation for the support, which helped relieve financial stress and brought smiles to many young faces.

Macy’s continues to be a strong advocate for community engagement and charitable giving, especially in areas where families may struggle to make ends meet. Through this partnership with United Way, Macy’s demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility and local impact.

The collaboration between Macy’s and Imperial County United Way highlights how powerful community partnerships can be in creating meaningful change. By coming together, both organizations made a direct and lasting impact on dozens of families who needed it most.

This event served as a reminder that even a small act of kindness can go a long way in strengthening the bonds within a community.

Helping Hands: Macy’s and United Way Bring Gifts to Imperial County Families in Need

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