Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The United Way of Northeast Arkansas is hosting a “Week of Warmth” from Dec. 1 to 6.

During the week, local businesses will give a portion of sales to United Way and host a drop box for “warming items” such as blankets, hats, gloves, and socks.

“This was our answer to the call of looking for a creative idea to help raise funds to support United Way,” said Lynette Hirsch, who is a loaned executive officer with United Way of Northeast Arkansas. She also works as the community engagement and marketing coordinator with the City of Jonesboro.

She explained the goal of loaned executive officers is to help with campaigning and funding.

“It’s a year-long commitment,” she said. “There are about 30 of us. They divide us into teams – the blue team, the red team, the yellow team – the colors of the United Way. Then we are challenged, as a team, to produce a fundraising activity to support the United Way. The ‘Week of Warmth’ is the Blue Team’s project.”

United Way was first funded in Jonesboro in 1955 and has grown every year since. According to the nonprofit’s annual report, over $650,000 was invested in the local community in 2024. In addition, last year the organization supported 18 nonprofit partners, served over 70,000 people, and partnered with 100 businesses in Northeast Arkansas.

As part of the Blue Team’s project, in the first week of December, select businesses throughout Jonesboro will donate a portion of their sales for the day to help support United Way. For the entire week, each business will also have a donation box on site to collect “warming items”.

“All of us typically go out to eat or grab a coffee at least once a week,” said Hirsch. “Just a very simple gesture of purpose to frequent one of these specific businesses on a specific day and make the plans to do that [can help]. You can know you’re not just getting your lunch for the day, you’re also helping support a community member in need at the same time. It’s dining with purpose.”

The week will culminate in Jonesboro’s JoyFest on Saturday, Dec. 6. At the annual event, there will be a drop-off spot for donations. Additionally, individuals can always support United Way with monetary contributions here and can sign up to volunteer here.

The local businesses participating in “Week of Warmth” are:

Monday, Dec. 1

  • Sue’s Kitchen Express (1708 S. Caraway Road) will donate 10% of sales.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

  • The Recovery Room (223 S. Main St.) will donate the proceeds on all sales of soups and ciders.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

  • Lost Pizza Co. (906 Southwest Drive and 3410 E. Johson Ave.) will donate 15% of sales.

Thursday, Dec. 4

  • Shadrach’s Coffee Roasting Co. (several locations around town) will donate 10% of sales.

Friday, Dec. 5

  • IV Kings Coffee and Southern Confections (2611 E. Nettleton Ave.) will donate 10% of sales.

Saturday, Dec. 6

  • Jonesboro’s JoyFest (downtown) will serve as a collection drop-off spot for donations.

“We’re grateful to this community,” Hirsch added. “Jonesboro is known to be such a giving community. When needs arise, the community answers the call, and we appreciate that. It seems that, during the holidays, it heightens the sense of need and inspires others within the community to be in a giving spirit.”