"To Our Friends at Publix,
On behalf of our Board of Directors & staff, United Way Partner Programs, and the thousands of Hernando residents and families you impact every year by investing in United Way, we THANK YOU! Although there's not a day that goes by where we are not grateful for the love and support our local Stores & Associates have for United Way, however - THIS WEEK IS FOR YOU! It is a week dedicated to thank yous, in-store surprises, homemade cards, success stories, and thoughtful gifts of appreciation for YOU. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for recognizing the need for our community to continuously band together. Our team knows just how hard you've fought for our community throughout the Pandemic.

We see you, we love you, and we appreciate your partnership more than you will ever know. Thank you for being a part of our United Way Family, and thank you for LIVING UNITED!"
-Angie B. Walasek, Executive Director/CEO

"Publix Friends- THANK YOU! We here at United Way of Hernando County couldn't do what we do without YOU. Because of you we are able to be there for people at their lowest and most vulnerable, we are able to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many from all walks of life and we are able to provide support to so many different organizations in the community that are out there changing lives. Words can't express just how grateful we are for YOU, we know how hard you work and we see how dedicated you are to your company and your community.

Thank you for supporting, for believing in, and for investing in United Way. And of course for LIVING UNITED."
-Cyndi Gleusner, Finance Director

"I moved to Florida in 2010, and never had a bad experience while shopping. Your produce and bakery are the best in town. Its always my pleasure shopping there. Thank you for everything you do to make your customers priority.

Thank you."

-Mindy Figueroa, Program Care Coordinator

"Thank you so much for all you do, for the excellent staff at Publix and for all your hard work. We truly appreciate you in every way."

-Maria Gonzalez, 2023 Intern 

"Thank you for making every Publix store feel like home, and not like every other big box store! I love having a personalized shopping experience!"

United Way of Hernando County and its Board of Directors would like to thank both the managers and associates of Publix for their selflessness. Below are comments shared by Board Members expressing their gratitude and thanks.

"Your continued support of United Way is greatly appreciated! As a result of your generosity non-profit agencies are able to provide much needed assistance to families in Hernando County. Be assured, the support you provide does make a difference to these hurting families. Our community also appreciates the wonderful shopping experience we always have at your fine stores. Absolutely the most helpful, pleasant employees I know of anywhere! THANK YOU, PUBLIX!!!"

"Thank you for supporting United Way Hernando. Your Partnership helps United Way achieve our goals of Health, Education, Financial Stability and Crises Prevention for our community"
-Pat Crowley

"Thank you Publix for all your support to the Hernando County Community. Your stores have been an anchor of stability, pride and the correct way to treat customers. I am always greeted by a smiling face by the most approachable helpful staff. Everyone is always so nice and pleasure to deal with. Your support for the United Way over the years has been outstanding and as a Board Member I just want to tell you that you sincerely help so many. Thank you and keep up the good work!"
-Valerie Ciaccio

"Thank you Publix for all you do for the United Way of Hernando County. Publix is still my favorite store to shop for all of my groceries. It also was my very first job which was over 40 years ago and still today, Publix is very special to me."
-David Gonzalez

"Being a British expat for the last 8 years, I've really appreciated the extent of Publix's international ailse. In particular, the British section. It has given me huge amounts of comfort when I've had moments of missing my loved ones. But that's not the only reason why I truly love Publix. Every time I shop there, the service is exemplary. Staff are efficient, friendly, welcoming, and helpful. I don't think I've ever experienced such outstanding customer service anywhere else. Thank you so much Publix ?"
-Kelly Gormley

"Thank you for everything that you do for our communities. It is refreshing to have a company that provides great products, customer service, and looks to make an impact in the community. Your desire to serve the communities in which you are located is so great that it goes from the in store employees all the way up to the corporate office. Thank you for everything you do each & every day."
-Eric Vanderham

"When we needed necessary items, we knew we could count on Publix, because we can always count on Publix. The stores are always neat, clean, and adequately stocked and the associates are consistently professional, helpful, and friendly. Aside from being a store I choose to shop at, I admire the time, effort, and funds that Publix puts into their community. Publix is one of a kind. It's recognized and appreciated by many! Thank you."

"As a former Publix Associate, thank you! I know it has been harder than usual to get out there and 'bleed green', but know how much you are appreciated in your community!"

"I want to say a big THANK YOU to Publix and all of their employees. Not only do they run a grocery store that is clean and full of friendly staff but everyone in their organization looks for ways to give back. I personally have seen this through their participation with Hernando County's United Way and donations for building homes through Hernando's Habitat for Humanity. I love how they are always giving back to their local community and it is just one of the reasons why I love Publix and shopping there!"

"I don't think that we can do everything that we are doing for our community without your constant support. Also, Thank you for the great quality and service that your company provides."

"I always find Publix Super Markets to be friendly, efficient, and supportive of their community members. Thank you for all that you do."

"Where would we be without Publix? Hernando County is a better place because of dedicated Publix associates. Thank you."

"THANK YOU for consistently supporting United Way!"

"I have served many years on the UW Board and continue to be impressed with the generous support from Publix. Countless Hernando Co. residents have benefited from the services YOU have funded! Please know our community appreciates your concern for others and your wonderful stores!! Yes, always a pleasure!! Many Thanks"
-Francine Ward

"I can feel it whenever I walk into a Publix store...even on Mondays!

That ​must be the 'Spirit of Giving' ​I feel.

THANK YOU, Publix, and everyone who works and gives anything to support local United Way programs like 211 Hernando that help you, me, and many of our families and neighbors. We all ​have heard the words 'for the community,' but you can tell when something is​ truly​ 'for the community' because you can feel it...yes, even on Mondays! Again, thank you, Publix, for supporting YOUR local community by giving to United Way and​ all​ ​i​ts ​'​famil​y agencies.' "

Thank You Publix!!

On behalf of 211 Hernando, I would like to thank Publix for all you do to support the community as well as the United Way. Your contributions to both help many people who are in desperate need.

Publix is a blessing to this community.

"The contributions you so kindly made to United Way helped A New Generation visit local middle and high schools where we offered a risk avoidance program to students. The opportunity to connect with young minds and give them accurate and valuable information to help them plan and reach their goals was just amazing. Your donations made that happen and we connected with over 300 students through the United Way grant. Your support is so appreciated."

"Publix's slogan "Where shopping is a pleasure" is exactly how I feel each time go into MY Publix.

I know that I will find all the items I need and will be served in a timely manner in each department and when checking out. A New Generation is so thankful for the support of the Publix employees to the United Way. Your support allows us to equip students in Hernando County to make healthy choices for their future. Because of you students are making healthy choices which enables them to reach their goals and dreams. Thank you!"

The Arc Nature Coast has enjoyed our partnership with Publix over the years.

We purchase groceries for our 9 group homes at Publix and it truly is a pleasure to shop at your stores! We also appreciate that Publix supports inclusion by employing individuals with disabilities-we agree that employing individuals with disabilities brings value to the culture of the store and to the community! Thank you, Publix- for all that you do to support us, our community and United Way!

"The Boys & Girls Clubs would like to thank Publix because their contributions to the United Way make a real difference in supporting our kids through our mentoring programs and by supporting our mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We could not do what we do without you. Thank you from the bottom of our heart."

"A BIG thank you to Publix for supporting the United Way and community nonprofits in our area. At the Boys & Girls Clubs, kids that need us the most are paired with caring adult mentors due to a United Way grant we received. Struggling youth get extra support from mentors to help them overcome obstacles and learn how to build healthy relationships."

"THANK YOU, Publix Associates, for supporting Catholic Charities Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center through the United Way's Giving Campaign! Your kindness has allowed us to serve our neighbors in Hernando County in many ways. Neighbors like Brittany* received pregnancy and parenting education empowering her to have a healthy pregnancy and to be the best parent she can. When Brittany first came to Foundations of Life she was 'couch surfing' at a friend's but now is living in her own place in part due to the support she received from FOL. The kind support Publix Associates gave the United Way multiplied the kindness for Foundations of Life which has multiplied the kindness for neighbors like Brittany."

"Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center appreciates Publix Employees' support for the United Way and its Partner Agencies! Because of YOUR support, last year we were able to distribute over 22,000 diapers, to offer pregnancy and parenting education to our neighbors in Hernando County, to check 71 car seats to be sure our youngest residents are safe, and to administer 165 pregnancy tests. As a Pregnancy Resource Center, our goal is to help pregnant women have a healthy pregnancy which leads to healthy babies and in turn a healthy community, your dedication to supporting the United Way of Hernando County makes this a reality. Staff, volunteers, and clients all agree: Shopping at Publix is a pleasure! Thank you for making this true."

"We love Publix! Not only do they make shopping a pleasure, they make serving our community a pleasure. Nothing is more satisfying than being able to meet a need when it is presented to you. Through United Way, Publix supports two programs of Dawn Center of Hernando County. They make possible our domestic violence and sexual assault victim services program as well as our economic empowerment program. Between these two programs, Dawn Center is able to provide 24/7 helpline services, emergency shelter, crisis support, and help furthering goals towards economic self-sufficiency. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Publix Associates for their contributions to United Way. Because of you, we are able to meet the needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Hernando County."

On behalf of Dawn Center of Hernando County, we would like to thank Publix Associates for #LivingUnited!

"Contributions from United Way's Community Investment Grant (fueled by your generosity) enabled Dawn Center to provide more than 16,000 units of service to more than 2,400 Hernando County survivors of domestic and sexual violence last year. We look forward to your ongoing partnership in helping to achieve our vision of a community free of violence and abuse. Thank you, Publix!"

"Because of you...we were able to give the communities, the 'HOPE' that they need to see. Publix has amazing customer service, always checking on us, smiling at us, and having the best quality product ever. I want to say Thank you to Publix for helping United Way to be able to provide 'HOPE' to the community and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. It helped one Deaf and Blind couple who was homeless to have 'HOPE' -- smile. They were provided with groceries for their new home. They were grateful and thankful for all of you! Again, Thank you!!!"

"Because of Publix, we are able to care for our DHH community. You have helped the homeless get housing, DHH to get interpreters for medical care, people find good jobs, supply food for the hungry, and help with other tasks that a hearing person would find simple but is not for a DHH person."

"To Publix Employees:

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. would like to thank you for your continued support of United Way of Hernando County. Your generous donations have enabled us to impact our community in so many important areas.

Because of your support of United Way of Hernando County we have assisted our clients in many ways: • Helping the deaf and hard of hearing to advocate for themselves
• Educating hearing people about the deaf community
• Training employers of the deaf and hard of hearing
• Helping deaf and hard of hearing to find a job
• Assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to obtain free telephones and other assistive living devices

We shop at Publix and witness your continued support of the deaf and hard of hearing, both with your customers and employees. We are truly amazed at how you have been there for everyone during this pandemic. Your employees are an inspiration for all of us. We greatly appreciate Publix and United Way for bringing our community together. We love Publix."

Sincerely, The Board of Directors and Staff of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Florida, Inc.

"Thank you for supporting the START Initiative, a free parent workshop via zoom opened to parents, direct caregivers, grandparents, or guardians in Hernando County. Your support allows us to purchase the Circle of Security books and other materials for the class. The curriculum takes parents through a better understanding of the parent-child relationship and how they can be strengthened. Many Hernando families have shared with us how these workshops have helped them understand their child’s needs better and it has given the parents (especially new moms/new dads) the ability to promote a secure attachment with their child. The outcome for many is a healthier and peaceful home environment that has brought parents closer to their children. A healthy home directly impacts a young child's success in school and life! Thank you!"

"On behalf our the staff and Board, the Early Learning Coalition would like to thank Publix for their continued support of our mission and programs. We have been fortunate to receive grant funds to operate our START program for families. This program teaches and guides parents and caregivers through the Circle of Security program. Without the generosity of Publix, United Way of Hernando County wouldn't be able to support this valuable family education program."

Thank you!

"Because of you For Each 1 Reach 1 Mentoring Program, Inc./Reach Academy would like to thank Publix for all that you do in our communities. Our families really appreciated and needed the wonderful Thanksgiving Basket. The baskets were really nice and it had a quality effect about them. Time and effort went into the presentation of the baskets and we appreciate it!

We are also consumers who are shopping at the Publix stores throughout the weeks. I myself love the friendly staff, the cleanliness of the stores, and several departments that I have tried myself, Customer Service, Deli, Bakery, Produce/Flowers, Grocery, Seafood and Meat.

Thanks again Publix for your dedication and caring heart! We see it in everything that you do! We love you - 'PUBLIX' "

Our program would like to thank Publix and its Associates for all the services they provide throughout the communities. We also like to thank them for the Christmas baskets that were donated to our programs that really helped out a lot of the program's families. Not to mention, the food was delicious, and thanks to UW for including us in this event for this year.

"At Jericho, we are so grateful for all the ways Publix partners with United Way and gives back to the community. Our mission of helping the hungry, the homeless, and the hurting. This would not be possible without partnering with agencies like United Way. Jericho was able to provide 4,500 boxes of food which fed 8,500 people last year because of the help of United Way and Publix. So thank you Publix and their associates!" 

At the Lighthouse, when we think of Publix, we think of kindness multiplied.

♥ Publix provides grants and sponsorships for Lighthouse events and programs that help people who are visually impaired and blind with living independently.

♥ Publix Associates help our clients maintain their independence by providing excellent customer service. Sometimes our clients need an associate to help them shop and there is always a Publix Associate ready to assist.

♥ Publix helps our clients with developing employment skills. Our teens and adults periodically complete volunteer work experiences at Publix. During these experiences, they are taught so much and they feel like they are part of the Publix family.

♥ Publix employs people who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. It’s hard to find a job when you have a disability—for example, there is a 70% unemployment rate for people who are visually impaired. Thanks for doing what you do for people who are visually impaired or otherwise disabled.

♥ Publix makes everyone of us -- Lighthouse staff and clients -- feel special. When we are at Publix, you listen, you are kind, and you go the extra mile to ensure our shopping experience is a pleasure.

♥ And your giving doesn’t stop when we leave the store. Publix is the largest donor to the United Way!

Thank you, Publix for everything you do! Happy Publix Appreciation Day/Week!

"Thank you, Publix Stores & Associates, for being super heroes to people who are visually impaired and blind and to all LVIB staff. We are so appreciative of the grants, sponsorships, and personal pledges we receive from Publix and Publix Supermarkets Charities that help the Lighthouse meet its mission of educating, empowering, and employing people who are visually impaired and blind. We love shopping in your stores and introducing our clients to your customer service team. Lighthouse clients know they can trust Publix employees to help them find everything they need."

Here is a story about one of the clients you have helped: Nancy reached out because she was alone, her vision was deteriorating, and the pandemic made her feel anxious. She expressed frustrations about how vision loss disrupted her life—she could not read, access phone numbers, struggled to do the basics, and she had become very isolated. We started Nancy in our Independent Living Skills Program. She embraced her training and the resources we provided. She shared her enthusiasm every time she learned something new and was delighted to discover she could read using free audio books. Then she used other Lighthouse services which including technology training and our support group. Nancy has become an inspiration to others living with low vision. She may have lost one of her senses but she gained a sense of humor and is full of hope for whatever the future brings.

"We are so appreciative of all the Publix employees! Thank you for giving back to our community and In particular, our organization, the Children's Advocacy Center of Hernando County. On several occasions, you have answered our call for snacks for our clients and went over and above what we needed! Your hearts are sooo big and we APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO all year long! Thank you for LIVING UNITED!"

"Because of you we are able to help Hernando County kiddos who have been neglected, physically and/or sexually abused. Thank YOU, Publix!"

"Thank you for your strong commitment to community. You all make such a huge impact in Hernando County through your donations, volunteerism, and answering calls from people in need. You truly are one in a MILLION!!"

"Publix and its associates are nothing less than awesome. We are so appreciative of the support that Publix provides year after year to United Way of Hernando County. This allows them to help Mid Florida Homeless Coalition help people stay in housing or move towards housing. On behalf of all those lives that you have touched, we thank you over and over again."

"There is no place better to shop than PUBLIX! From the clean stores, to the great products - especially Publix brand items - and delicious deli & bakery, we all just love to shop at Publix. But working at MID FLORIDA HOMELESS COALITION has given me another reason to love PUBLIX - the kind, caring and generous employees! Publix employees have always been great but in the United Way of Hernando County campaigns, they go above and beyond in their generosity. We appreciate each and every one of Publix employees!!!"

PUBLIX means:

P - Passionate Community Spirit!
U - Unbelievable Employee Enthusiasm!
B - Best Fried Chicken (wink, wink)!
L - Lasting Value to their Contributions!
I - Incredible Staff Participation!
X - eXtraordinary Generosity!

"For years, Publix Associates show they care about their community by contributing to United Way. Mid Florida Homeless Coalition is one of United Way of Hernando County's Partner Agencies, and we are especially grateful for all Publix Associates do. UW funds two programs for MFHC this year - one isn't pretty - it helps fund a database for Hernando agencies to enter data that in turn helps people receive assistance for rent, utilities, food, shelter, and many other things. The other program has literally kept people from living on the streets or in their car. It has paid for a motel room while the family waited for a home to be ready. It has paid for certified copies of birth certificates, so that an ID or social security card can be obtained so the person can get a job, or sign a lease. That's the real nitty gritty work we do at Mid Florida Homeless Coalition, and it couldn't be done without Publix Associates!! So THANK YOU!!"

"NAMI Hernando would like to thank the Publix Associates for all you do! With your support we are able to provide free classes that help people recognize signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use conditions. Education is the key to saving lives because it links people to treatment. When mental illness goes untreated it leads to homelessness, poverty, substance use and sometimes even suicide. We appreciate your support to help us save lives!"

"NAMI Hernando would like to share our greatest of appreciation for all that Publix does for our community. When you give to United Way you are not just giving to one organization but you are giving to all of the community partners collectively. As one of the community partners NAMI Hernando is able to educate our community members on how to recognize the sign and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders. Early intervention is the key to recovery and we "Thank You" for unlocking the door and saving lives everyday.

We couldn't do it without the support of United Way and Publix!"

"Publix is such a great supporter of our mission to feed the hungry! Whether it's providing bread and desserts for our Sunday Blessings meals or coming as a group of volunteers to pack bags for our Weekend Blessings program - we know we can always count on the good hearted employees of Publix! Thank you!!!"

"Publix is a great place to shop and is made up of employees that care about helping its customers and the community it serves. PHP couldn't do what we do without their help."

"People Helping People in Hernando County would like to sincerely thank all Publix for their continued generosity and commitment to assisting all social agencies in their quest to realize their respective missions. PHP has always been very thankful for all their help with food materials as well as their personal input and volunteer assistance. Agencies such as ours flourish with their true spirit of community. THANK YOU PUBLIX!!"

Sincerely,
Barbara Nassar
PHP Weekend Blessings Coordinator

"Please know that all of us here at the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Hernando Citrus District, especially the food pantry, are so appreciative of the donations and support that we receive from our local Publix stores. You helped us serve over 76,000 people this past fiscal year! May God bless you each and every one!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen from stores #220 (in renovation), #411, and #1282 - We cannot thank you enough for helping us redistribute still-usable foodstuffs from your stores. On average, each of you has helped us share 7,000# of food a month with our needy neighbors. Together you've helped us give hope to 300 local families."

"Publix provided essential foods to the 15,933 families served by the St Vincent de Paul food pantry the last fiscal year, 2021-22. Publix employees are our heroes!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, please accept our appreciation for your assistance in providing food donations, i.e. "goods in kind" to the needy of Hernando County. In an average month, each of the three Publix stores we have the opportunity to contact has been able to provide us with over two tons of valuable food!

It's our community's assurance of your supportive food donations and wonderful charitable activity that makes you such a welcome part of their lives and ours at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry."

Thank you!

"Thank you for all the things you do for our community, from keeping the shelves stocked to the smiles that brighten customer's days! Your dedication and commitment to our community is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Your contributions help create New Beginnings for our youth.

We appreciate all of you and thank you for helping us grow!"

"From all of the YMCA staff and volunteers, we want to thank all of the Publix employees for supporting vital programs and services in their local communities. Our focus is to help individuals stay active and healthy, develop youth into our future leaders and be socially responsible within our community. The support that the staff give to United Way helps us teach kids vital skills on how to be safe around the water and helps keep them from becoming a drowning statistic. We are grateful that you are HELPING SAVE LIVES."

"Publix is such a great community partner and supportive entity in our community. Not only do we appreciate the employees that help support United Way but Publix helps partner and support several activities/events that the Y hosts each year for the community. We always have a pleasant experience when engaging with the local stores."