United Way of Bedford County

Child Safety Initiative

The child safety initiative began in 2006.  The initiative has expanded to include a water safety day in the summer, and a child safety fun fair and child seat safety checks in the fall.

Over 2,500 children in Bedford County have been educated on safety procedures since its inception.

Prescription Drug - Discount Card

Prescription drug discount cards may be obtained from local participating partner agencies or by calling United Way of Bedford County. Most pharmacies accept these prescription drug discount cards.

The cards have no usage limits, age requirements or registration forms.

The cards are being distributed free of charge, courtesy of United Way of Bedford County and other participating United Way agencies around the country, as part of a $10 million donation of discount prescription cards from Membership Services Corporation, affinity marketing and strategic sourcing company located in Bethlehem, PA, and its industry partners.

The cards can reduce prescription drug costs by and average of 20 percent. Additional information is available at United Way of Bedford County and online at www.familywize.com.

According to a report received from Membership Services Corp. the prescription drug discount cards have saved Bedford Countyresidents over $54,457 since its inception.

Stuff the School Bus

"Stuff The School Bus", a drive to collect school supplies for needy children, has been a resounding success. The supplies and support received from the Bedford County community has been overwhelming. During the months of July and August, supplies are collected in 21 drop boxes throughout Bedford County and a day-long event held at the Wal-Mart Supercenter. More than 27,000 items have been collected since its inception in 2007.

The number of items distributed to each school is based on poverty level and age appropriateness. Guidance councelors at each school are in charge of making sure that supplies are given to children who can benefit from them.

Wonder Trail

The Wonder Trail is designed to help parents and caregivers support early education for young children It is a fun, easy way for parents, grandparents and caregivers to use outings to build learning into everyday experiences.  The trail consists of a series of signs designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments. 

The Wonder Trail promotes fun and games – important components of early childhood learning, Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’  That means five years of education take place before they ever enter kindergarten.  What happens in a child’s early years matters – for success in life and for school readiness.  This Wonder Trail is designed to assist parents, grandparents and caregivers in using everyday outings – including trips to the H.V. Griffin Park – to support that learning.