ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On May 8, United Way will tout its own picks during the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by recognizing United Way TEAM NFL volunteers drafted into community service by NFL players.
Since United Way TEAM NFL's inception in 2011, NFL players have drafted more than 38,000 people into community service and have helped cut the high school dropout rate by recruiting volunteer readers, tutors and mentors. United Way is inspiring fans to get involved and acknowledging the efforts of those who have volunteered in an off-season competition by recognizing top volunteer talent during the NFL Draft.
"We're excited about this great partnership and the opportunity to highlight the importance of volunteering to help students succeed," said Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. president, United Way Worldwide. "NFL players are winning where it matters most—in the classroom."
Volunteers who have pledged with a player to be a reader, tutor or mentor for United Way by April 25 are eligible for the chance to win one of 32 United Way Draft Prize Packs which include an autographed football, autographed team cap, LIVE UNITED T-shirt and water bottle, as well as a social media shout-out from United Way TEAM NFL players.
In addition, volunteers can turn their pledges into actions at United Way TEAM NFL's Clubhouse on Plus 3 Network. The three people who log the most volunteer hours will receive a phone call from a United Way TEAM NFL player to thank them for their service.
Join the conversation with @UnitedWay and TEAM NFL at #UnitedWayDraft. For more information about United Way TEAM NFL or to become a volunteer, visit http://www.unitedway.org/team-nfl.
About the NFL & United Way Partnership
2013 marked the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the National Football League and United Way. Across the country, NFL clubs and players are working with United Ways to advance health and education for America's young people through national and local initiatives like the annual NFL & United Way Hometown Huddle and United Way TEAM NFL. The work is in support of United Way's 2018 goals to get 1.9 million more kids active and healthy by 2018 and to cut the high school dropout rate in half by 2018.
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action – to give, advocate and volunteer – to improve conditions in their local community. For more information about United Way, please visit: UnitedWay.org.