Contributed SERVING OTHERS — Marci Snyder-Crawford, executive director of the United Way of Jefferson County, will be on duty at area restaurants as a server and hostess as part of the “United to Serve” tour.

STEUBENVILLE — The United Way of Jefferson County is bringing its mission directly into the community through an initiative called “United to Serve,” a month-long restaurant partnership tour focused on raising awareness, support and hope for local families across Jefferson County.

Throughout the month, Executive Director Marci Snyder-Crawford will step out from behind the desk and into local restaurants as a guest server and hostess, inviting the community to come together around something much bigger than a meal.

“This tour is about people,” said Snyder-Crawford. “It’s about the child receiving their very first book in the mail, the family who doesn’t know where to turn and calls 2-1-1, the parent struggling to put food on the table or the student who simply needs socks and shoes to feel confident walking into school. These are real people in our community, and this is why we do what we do.”

Funds raised throughout “United to Serve” will help support programs including: 2-1-1 community resource hotline; Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; Meals of Hope; Day of Action and United Sole

United Way of Jefferson County supports 11 local partner agencies and recently completed its annual allocations process, which saw a significant increase in agencies applying for support. With community need continuing to rise, there is now the possibility of welcoming nine additional agencies in the future.

“As the need continues to grow, so does our responsibility to step up,” Snyder-Crawford said. “We are seeing more organizations than ever reaching out because the need in Jefferson County is real. Every dollar raised stays right here in our community and directly impacts local families, children, seniors, and individuals who need support.”

The community is invited to attend the following United to Serve stops, each of which will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Tuesday: Scaffidi’s Restaurant & Tavern

• Wednesday: Pastaio

• May 15: Seven Ranges

• May 20: Baby Boyz

• May 22: The Ville

• May 27: Texas Roadhouse

Community members are encouraged to come out, enjoy a meal, support local businesses, and be part of something bigger.

“United Way has never just been about fundraising,” Snyder-Crawford added. “It’s about fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community — and reminding people that no one should have to struggle alone.”

For information, follow United Way of Jefferson County on social media.