Last week, Oshkosh Area United Way spent time with youth and mentors in the Bigs With Badges program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin for an activity centered on gratitude and community support.
OAUW CEO Heidi Thomas kicked things off by reading the children’s book Ten Thank-You Letters by Daniel Kirk. The group talked about why saying “thank you” matters and the many reasons someone might send a thank-you note — when someone helps them, gives a gift, or does something kind.
The conversation also turned to how generosity shows up in our community. Heidi asked the kids if they had noticed the bananas and other fresh fruit sometimes available at school. Many nodded and shared that they enjoy having the snacks.
She explained that Oshkosh Area United Way works with community partners like Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, which runs the Food for Kids program, helping make healthy snacks like fresh fruit available to students during the school day.
After the discussion, the students and their Bigs got creative making thank-you cards for the donors and partners who help make programs like youth mentoring and Food for Kids possible. A few even drew fruit on their cards — a fun reminder of how generosity can show up in everyday ways for students.
Through partnerships like Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Youth Mentoring Programs, supported by Oshkosh Area United Way’s Lifelong Learning focus area, young people gain encouragement, connection, and opportunities to grow.
Moments like this are a great reminder that when our community unites to give, mentor, and support one another, the impact reaches far beyond a single program.
United is the Way.
