When the last volunteer packed up and the final project was complete, Day of Action wasn’t quite over.

While fresh paint dried, gardens took shape, and neighbors headed home, another project was just beginning.

Sitting in front of a computer reviewing footage from the day was one of the people responsible for bringing the experience to life—not a professional videographer, but 12-year-old Uriel Bellanger, working alongside Dylan Owens at Smart North Tech Hubs in Grand Rapids and Deer River.

Working side by side, they sorted through hours of footage, selected the strongest moments, and crafted the final Day of Action highlight reel—a video that captures neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers serving side by side, and a community coming together.

For most viewers, it’s a recap of a successful day of service.

For us, it’s something more.

It’s a reminder that the impact of community investment often extends well beyond the project itself.

For years, United Way has partnered with Smart North to foster innovation and expand digital literacy through hands-on learning experiences for local youth. This year, United Way invested $16,000 through our Ready Kids, Resilient Families focus area to support programming in digital media, technology, STEM, and other future-ready skills.

For Uriel, that investment became something much bigger than a lesson.

It became a chance to contribute to a project with a real audience and real purpose.

The finished highlight reel showcases Day of Action, but it also reflects something equally important: what can happen when young people are trusted with meaningful work. Experiences like these build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and help youth discover interests that can shape their future.

At United Way, we see those moments every day.

Sometimes it looks like a child starting school ready to learn.

Sometimes it looks like a family finding stability.

And sometimes it looks like a young person discovering they have the talent to inform, inspire, and connect others through digital media.

Uriel’s experience is one example of what United Way helps make possible.

Every gift helps children and youth discover new talents, build lasting skills, and find meaningful ways to contribute to the communities they call home.

That’s why this video is more than a recap of Day of Action.

It’s a reminder that when a community invests in its young people, today’s learning experience can become tomorrow’s passion—and today’s student can become tomorrow’s storyteller.

Watch the Day of Action highlight reel to see volunteers in action and experience the impact they made across Calumet.

Then read our full Day of Action recap to learn more about the projects, partnerships, and people who made the day possible.

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Continue the Impact

Stories like Uriel’s are possible because people across our community choose to invest in one another.

When you give to United Way of 1000 Lakes, you’re helping local children and youth discover new talents, supporting families as they build stability, and strengthening the programs that make our communities thrive.

Help write the next chapter. Make your gift today and invest in the future of our community.

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