First Annual Workplace Wonder Competition
United Ways around the world celebrate June 21st – the longest day of the year – as United Day of Caring. To involve the local community in this global event, United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) is launching its first annual Workplace Wonder Competition, complete with a traveling trophy!
Many families struggle with nutrition during the summer months when children are home from school and food drives are scarce. So, for the first annual competition, United Way is challenging community members and participating businesses, or “Workplace Wonders,” to collect nonperishable, nonexpired food items in a community-wide food drive. Where applicable, Workplace Wonders are asked to encourage their clients and customers to participate.
UWSEMO will kick off the food drive on June 7 at the United Way WINSday Cape Catfish game against Danville. The competition will culminate on United Day of Caring at the June 21 United Way WINSday Cape Catfish game against the Burlington Bees. The winning Workplace Wonder will be announced via Facebook from the ballgame.
This year’s Workplace Wonder Competition will benefit UWSEMO’s food pantry partners serving Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, and Bollinger County. At the end of the competition, Workplace Wonders will deliver collected food items to their nearest United Way-funded pantry. The participating business that collects the most items per employee will receive a celebratory announcement from UWSEMO, bragging rights, and the brand-new traveling Workplace Wonder Award to display for the entire year.
Most Requested Food Items
- Cans with pop-tops – so those without access to a can opener can use the food item.
- Meals in a can (Ravioli, Spaghetti-Os, Soup/Stew, Chili).
- Canned protein (Chicken, Beef, Ham, Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Salmon, etc.).
- Canned fruits, vegetables, & beans (pop-tops preferred).
- Pasta & pasta sauce.
- Rice (brown rice preferred).
- Peanut butter / other nut butter.
- Shelf stable milk (Dry/powdered milk, canned evaporated milk).
What NOT to donate:
- Items that need to be refrigerated or frozen.
- Expired food.
- Leftovers.
- Food with damaged or open packaging.
- Baked goods.
- Cans without labels
- Food you wouldn’t like to eat or serve your family.
- Dry beans.
- Nuts.
- Whole grain cereal.
- Applesauce.
Participating Workplace Wonders
Drop off your nonperishable, unexpired food items at one of these participating locations.
Century Casino Cape Girardeau
777 North Main St. Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
First State Community Bank – Cape Girardeau
2527 William St. Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703
First State Community Bank – Jackson
Workplace Wonder Competition FAQ
Who can be a Workplace Wonder?
Any business or organization in our four-county service area can be a Workplace Wonder! We highly encourage businesses that run a United Way workplace campaign and UWSEMO corporate investors to participate in the competition.
How do I register as a Workplace Wonder?
Please complete the registration form below by June 2nd to be included in the Workplace Wonder Competition.
When does the Competition begin and end?
The Workplace Wonder Competition begins on June 7th and will culminate on United Day of Caring at the June 21 United Way WINSday Cape Catfish game against the Burlington Bees.
Final food item counts need to be submitted to UWSEMO no later than 5:30 P.M.
What kind of items should we collect?
This year, we are asking Workplace Wonders to collect nonperishable, nonexpired food items. A full list of suggested foods can be found above.
What do we do with the items we collect?
Each Workplace Wonder will deliver collected food items to their nearest United Way-funded nutrition partner or to the UWSEMO office. Need help delivering? No problem! Email Elizabeth.Shelton@unitedwayofsemo.org to make arrangements.
Nutrition partners include The Salvation Army Cape Girardeau, Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, Scott City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, Little Whitewater Baptist Church Food Pantry, Regional Family Crisis Center, and New Life Mission Inn.
When will the winner be announced?
The Workplace Wonder Competition will be announced on United Day of Caring, June 21, at the United Way WINSday Cape Catfish game against the Burlington Bees. The winning Workplace Wonder will be announced via Facebook from the ballgame.
What do we get if we win?
The winning Workplace Wonder will receive a celebratory announcement courtesy of United Way, bragging rights, and our brand-new traveling Workplace Wonder Award to display at their business for a full year! (And no reward compares with knowing you have helped struggling families.)
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Send an email to Ciera.Schlie@unitedwayofsemo.org or call 573-334-9634 and we will answer any additional questions you may have.