News
GLENS FALLS, NY — Tri-County United Way’s 4th Annual 5-1-8 Day Community Service Day, held Saturday, May 9, 2026, brought together local businesses, organizations volunteers and residents in a coordinated effort to address food insecurity through its first-ever “Give & Go” Community Food Drive, resulting in thousands of donated food items and essential supplies distributed to families and partner agencies across the region.
This year’s “Give & Go” Community Food Drive directly benefited local Tri-County United Way funded partner agencies including North Country Ministry, Comfort Food Community, The Salvation Army and Family Service Association, while partnering with WAIT House to expand community outreach efforts throughout Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties.
Food insecurity continues to impact households throughout the region, with many local families facing difficult decisions between paying for housing, utilities, healthcare or groceries. Initiatives like the “Give & Go” Food Drive are critical in helping local agencies maintain reliable access to food and essential supplies for individuals, children and seniors experiencing economic hardship. Community-driven efforts like this not only provide immediate relief but also strengthen the network of support services available across the region.
“Our community continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when organizations, businesses and residents align around a shared purpose,” said Laura Jensen, Director of Community Engagement and Communications at Tri-County United Way. “This event delivered real, measurable impact for local agencies and the individuals and families they serve every day.”
The event resulted in substantial support for local agencies serving individuals and families across Tri-County United Way’s 2,000-square-mile service area, with thousands of donated dry non-perishable food items and essential care products collected from community members throughout the region.
The event generated significant results, including:
- Thousands of dry non-perishable food items donated by community members and local partners
- More than 650 tote bags filled with essential items for local agencies
- Over 500 bags distributed during the community event
- Nearly two dozen volunteers supporting the initiative donating their time to
- More than $2,349 worth of volunteer service donated
- Donations of diapers, household necessities, and additional essential care items collected throughout the campaign
Tri-County United Way also recognized the many community partners and “Celebrate the 518” committee members whose support helped make the initiative successful, including JMZ Architects and Planners, Adirondack Health Institute, Associates of Glens Falls Insurance, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, Travelers Insurance, Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties (Ben Driscoll), Irving Tissue, Warren Washington Albany ARC, the Glens Falls Rotary Club, The Kingsbury Printing Co, Inc. and many others committed to strengthening the region.
Additional support was provided by DJ Tim Sokol of Avenue Entertainment, who generously donated his time and resources to provide live music and entertainment throughout the event, helping create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for volunteers, partner agencies, and community members.
Jensen added that strong community partnerships remain essential to addressing long-term needs, noting that the event highlighted how coordinated collective action can strengthen local support systems and expand access to critical resources for residents across the region.
For more information about Tri-County United Way and future community initiatives, please contact Laura Jensen at [email protected] or visit www.Tricountyunitedway.org.