From Cookies to Community Impact
By: Nicole Hawks, 2026 Campaign Chair
Last year’s United Way campaign was filled with cookies galore! Many of you know that I bake in my spare time, and for last year’s United Way campaign, I held several cookie fundraisers to benefit the cause. I also gave out cookies to show appreciation to many folks making a difference in our community—including our partner agencies, pacesetter companies, and many of our donors. The response was overwhelmingly positive!
So, for this year’s campaign, we decided to track all of these cookies and provide the community with regular updates!
Our United Way Cookie Tracker will include the number of cookies baked each month and a general description of where those cookies went. From time to time, we’ll provide updates through social media posts, blogs, and live videos. Some months will focus on showing appreciation, while others will include actual fundraisers, which we’ll share via social media.
We’re thrilled to announce that a generous supporter has stepped forward with a $750 Cookie Match Challenge! That means every dollar raised through our cookie fundraisers will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $750 — doubling the impact of every sale! Sell $750 in cookies and we’ll unlock the full $750 match, for a total of $1,500 benefiting our community. Let’s rise to the challenge together and make this cookie season our best yet!
Also, we’ll be posting weekly Cookie Tracker updates every Friday on the United Way of Ashland County Ohio Facebook page—so be sure to follow along there. You can also check out my personal Facebook page (Nicole’s Facebook) for behind-the-scenes cookie content, fundraiser announcements, and updates on how your support is making a difference.
If you’re wondering why I’m so passionate about raising funds for United Way of Ashland County, it’s because I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact. Growing up, my family faced difficult times and didn’t always have what we needed. I know what it’s like to struggle, and I promised myself I would one day be in a position to give back. After years of working toward that goal, I began volunteering with United Way—starting with the Day of Caring. Six years later, I now serve in multiple roles and on several committees.
Through my involvement, I’ve seen how United Way of Ashland County provides crucial funding to a wide variety of essential programs—most of which are operated by our incredible Partner Agencies, local nonprofits doing life-changing work. By supporting United Way, you’re helping your neighbors in need—and that help truly matters.
