Socks of Service
A Veteran’s Mission to Warm Hearts and Feet
By: Kristy Pate
United Way of West Florida
PENSACOLA, Fla., -- Retired Command Sergeant Major Raymond McKnight has been donating socks to those in need since 1978. He was 35 years old then and it was a passion he has continued since.
Why Giving Money Matters Most During a Crisis
When crisis strikes, whether it’s a natural disaster, an economic shutdown, or sudden cuts to essential benefits, people instinctively want to help. We fill shopping carts with canned food, diapers, and toiletries, load up boxes, and drive them to drop-off sites, hoping to make a difference. But while physical donations come from the heart, they’re often not the most effective way to help.
Volunteering Can Change Your Life
Why Volunteering Matters in West Florida
The IRS Has Stopped Sending Paper Checks: What You Need to Know About EO 14247
As of September 30, 2025, a major change in the way Americans receive federal payments has officially taken effect. The IRS and the U.S. Treasury have stopped issuing paper checks for tax refunds and most other federal disbursements. This change comes from Executive Order 14247, titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” signed earlier this year in March 2025.
United Way of West Florida Launches Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
Pensacola, FL (July 14, 2025) – United Way of West Florida is proud to host its annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive on Thursday, July 24, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., to help students in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties start the school year fully prepared.
