At Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW), we believe that when people come together to support one another, entire communities thrive. By mobilizing volunteers and facilitating impactful partnerships, we help create inclusive solutions that strengthen local resilience and provide opportunities for all—especially our youth. By supporting volunteerism, we witness firsthand how acts of service strengthen both individuals and the community, fostering a sense of connection, purpose, and belonging
For the second year in a row, OAUW partnered with Vel Phillips Middle School to help students turn creativity into community impact. Led by Arts Integration Coach Krista Frenz, this heartwarming collaboration connected 826 students with local organizations through quarterly service projects that combined art and civic engagement.
This year’s second-quarter project was extra sweet. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, students crafted more than 400 fingerprint and love bug magnets for residents of Miravida Living. The colorful creations were gifted to seniors during Miravida’s Valentine’s Dessert Buffet, brightening the day of each recipient. As Geralyn Boegel, Community Services Coordinator at Miravida Living, shared:
In addition to their work for Miravida Living, students also created 250 vibrant, laminated watercolor bookmarks for Oshkosh Area United Way. These bookmarks will be distributed to area youth during community outreach events that support literacy and foster community engagement, encouraging a love of reading while showcasing the students’ creativity. OAUW Community Impact Manager Heidi Thomas reflected on the project, saying:
The partnership between Vel Phillips Middle School and OAUW began in 2023 when Krista first connected with OAUW through VolunteerOshkosh.org. After a successful first year, the collaboration continued, with both teachers and students expressing their enthusiasm:
As the school year progresses, Vel Phillips students will continue to spread kindness through art. In Quarter 3, they’ll create pins and keychains for YMCA programs like Rock Steady Boxing, LiveStrong, and Brighter Days, along with blankets and teacher appreciation gifts. For Quarter 4, Oshkosh Area United Way will continue to help identify local organizations’ needs, ensuring that students’ projects make a meaningful impact.
Turn Inspiration into Action: Join the Movement to Build a Stronger, More Connected Community
If you’re inspired by these students’ dedication to making a difference and want to see how Oshkosh Area United Way connects volunteers with impactful projects like this one, consider exploring your own opportunities to give back. Visit VolunteerOshkosh.org to discover year-round volunteer opportunities that match your skills and passions. Together, we can all play a part in building a stronger community.
Thank You for Making a Difference!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Krista Frenz, Arts Integration Coach and grant recipient for this project, Nick Robarge, Kim Redlin, Keyra Price, Travis Vandenberg, Ta Feiter, Jennifer Kuhl, Chris Hayes, and Kollen Kellner who helped bring this project to life.
A special thank you to the talented students at Vel Phillips Middle School for sharing their creativity and kindness. Your collective efforts not only brought joy to others but also helped foster a stronger, more connected community. We truly appreciate your commitment to making a difference!
Amy Reese, Marketing and VolunteerOshkosh.org Manager at Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW), is pictured receiving volunteer projects from Vel Phillips Middle School teachers Krista Frenz, Arts Integration Coach, and Nick Robarge, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher.