United Way's Day of Action Rallies Volunteers to Strengthen Ellis County
Creating Unity and Fighting Food Insecurity
Ellis County, TX (July 1, 2025) – United Way West Ellis County (UWWEC) rallied volunteers to take action and create meaningful impact throughout the community on June 25, 2025 for Day of Action, an annual event that unites neighbors to pitch in and create positive change in Ellis County.
Traditionally held on or around June 21 (the longest day of the year), Day of Action invites volunteers of all ages to come together to help improve the community we all call home. It’s part of United Way’s year-round efforts to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive.
This year, the United Way of West Ellis County, in collaboration with Manna House, Waxahachie Care and North Ellis County Outreached worked to distribute 50,000lbs of food to anyone in need in Ellis County. 
"This event is proof that we are stronger together" shares Manna House Executive Director, Norma Belcher. "With our partner agencies, we helped feed the heart of our county-because no one should face hunger alone."
"At Waxahachie CARE Services, we believe that no one should have to face hunger alone," shares Patrick Johnson, Vice-Chair of the Waxahachie CARE Board of Directors. "Events like Day of Action are vital, especially as so many families struggle with rising food costs. The fact that food was distributed with no barriers, reflects our core value of serving all neighbors with dignity and compassion."
With a steady line of cars for more than three hours and over 1,800 individuals served, the impact was great but the need was reflected even greater. Through this Day of Action and all year long, United Way of West Ellis County is working to ensure that every child and every family in our community has the opportunity to access nutritious and sustainable food. These are challenging times for many. With the cost of food continuously rising, there are more people needing assistance now than ever before. This event was designed to truly feed our community: no ID, no requirements, no registration. Anyone and everyone who came through the line received food that day.
Donny Lutrick, Executive Director of the North Ellis County Outreach (NECO) shared, "The significant turnout is a reminder that food insecurity continues to be a widespread and persistent challenge across Ellis County, affecting far too many of our neighbors. That’s why it was such an honor for NECO to partner with United Way of West Ellis County, Waxahachie Care, and Manna House for this food distribution. Coming together with other organizations that share our mission allows us to multiply our impact. This collaboration was a powerful reminder that when we work side by side, we can meet immediate needs and bring hope to those who are struggling.”
None of this would have been possible without the volunteers who generously donated their time to serve. Between the heat, thunderstorms and heavy lifting, the 100+ volunteers did not miss a beat. From packing bags of groceries, to moving pallets, to loading food into cars, we could not have served our community with their help. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to: Superior Construction, Methodist Midlothian Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Waxahachie Family YMCA, Brave Like Ellie, Mentors Care, Unite Ellis, Ovilla Church of Christ, City of Midlothian, Lions Club, JE Dunn, Ellis County Emergency Management, KBEC Radio, Custom Clean LLC, John Houston Custom Homes and The Links Inc., and numerous community members.
"The unity shown between our organization and three of Ellis County's food pantries was what ensured success on this year's Day of Action," states Jamie McNulty, Executive Director of United Way of West Ellis County. "It was a blessing to be able to serve those in need but it was an even greater blessing to do it in collaboration and alongside others with a heart to give back. Thank you to the many volunteers from each agency as well as the dedication and support from their staff and Board of Directors."
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