Orrville Area United Way administers Percy Programs to fill the gaps in our community's services. Through partnerships with schools, churches, nonprofits, and local government, we work to identify and meet these needs. We believe in the importance of early literacy, financial stability, access to nutritious meals, and ensuring every child has reliable shoes, a comfortable bed, and enough food over the weekends. Here’s a look at our key Percy Programs:
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Early literacy is the cornerstone of educational success. Through our partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, we ensure that every child in Dalton, Kidron, Marshallville, North Lawrence, and Orrville has access to high-quality, age-appropriate books at home. Enrolled children receive a free book each month until their 5th birthday, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Last year, local children received 9,311 books through Orrville Area United Way. Funding for Imagination Library in our area is met through partnerships with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio and United Way of Wayne & Holmes Counties.
Click here for more information or to enroll
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Tax season can be overwhelming for many families. The VITA program offers free tax preparation to those with household incomes generally below $60,000, as well as individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited English skills. Our IRS-certified volunteers help maximize returns and save taxpayers the expense of preparation fees.
This year, Orrville Area United Way filed 125 returns, totaling $132,335 in refunds and saving taxpayers $28,000 in fees.
Friendship Meals
For some, a hot meal can make all the difference. Friendship Meals serves nutritious meals on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays of each month from Christ United Church of Christ, located at 301 N. Main St, Orrville. There are no eligibility restrictions; Friendship Meals serves anyone who comes with a need.
Last year, 7,542 meals were distributed through curbside service, beginning at 5:15 PM.
Click here for updates on Friendship Meals service schedule
2-1-1
Finding help can be challenging. United Way’s 2-1-1 service connects individuals to resources like rent and utility assistance, food, health services, support groups, and more. Orrville Area United Way partners with United Way of Wayne & Holmes Counties to ensure local access to these essential services.
Call 2-1-1 or Click here to search resources in our area
Happy Feet, Sweet Dreams, and Weekend Backpack Programs
In partnership with The Salvation Army Orrville-Maiwurm Service Center, these programs address the unique needs of children in Eastern Wayne County:
Happy Feet for Kids
We understand the importance of proper footwear for children’s comfort, health, and dignity. Happy Feet provides new shoes, winter boots, and socks to children and teens from families at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Last year, 177 shoe vouchers were distributed to local children.
Sweet Dreams for Kids
A good night's sleep is vital for a child’s well-being. Sweet Dreams supplies complete bed sets—frame, mattress, bedding, and pillow—to children ages 2-18 in need.
Last year, 34 complete bed sets were provided to area children. Christ United Church of Christ and Trinity United Methodist Church are key partners in this effort.
Click here to watch a video about our Sweet Dreams Program!
Weekend Backpack Program
Food insecurity doesn’t stop on weekends. Our Backpack Program supplies students in Dalton and Orrville Schools with bags of nutritious food to take home each Friday during the school year.
Last year, 3,413 food backpacks were distributed to local children. This program is supported by grants received in 2024 from the Wayne County Children’s Resource Fund at Wayne County Community Foundation and a Spark Good Local Grant from Walmart Supercenter Facility #1812.
Click here to watch a video about our Weekend Backpack Program!