Last week included great news about giving, and there’s a lot of work behind the scenes to be thankful for in our region for that help.

The heart of Bowling Green and Warren County was on full display Tuesday, when United Way of Southern Kentucky announced awards of more than $1 million. That bountiful Tuesday also included the Women’s Fund of South Central Kentucky, which announced $171,000 in grants. The group also announced a planned $100,000 Impact Grant.

United Way’s disbursements across the 10-county Barren River Area Development District includes money in four categories of recipients – Education, Income, Health and Safety Net.

Twenty-five programs across Warren County received investments from UWSK.

“If you have a community who cares, you can lift babies up and you can lift families up,” said Tracey Young, director of grants and community outreach for Warren County Public Schools.

Money for education in Warren County totaled $339,390. A total of $646,000 was awarded in Warren County, the largest county in the BRADD area.

The Women’s Fund of South Central Kentucky continued to grow its contributions to various groups.

The fund will be allocated to four organizations in southcentral Kentucky involved with helping women and children. The allocation will include the $100,000 Impact Grant, as well as a $51,000 Growth Grant and two $10,000 Recognition Grants. This year’s allocation will be a change of pace from last year that saw a $100,000 grant and three $20,000 grants to the four finalists.

“A lot of our initial strategy was to raise awareness and make an impact and we’ve done it,” Executive Director Jennifer Wethington said. “Did I ever think we’d be giving away $171,000? We just wanted to get to $100,000, so we’ve kind of blown past that, so we’re excited.”

Bowling Green, Warren County and the entire region benefits from efforts from these groups and the giving nature of our citizens.

Everyone associated with these organizations deserves a thank you as so many will benefit from their efforts.