OCALA, Fla. - s4story -- Women United is launching its third annual shopping day fundraiser on September 10 at Buckmaster Square in Ocala. The shopping event will help raise funds for Women United's 2026 mission, which will help fund ReadingPals powered by United Way of Marion County.

This year, the tenants of Buckmaster Square in Downtown Ocala will be donating a portion of the sales made from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The participating shoppes include:

• Pen & Ink
• Greiner's
• Her Kloset
• Julie Shealy Art and Artists
• K Blooms
• Honey's Cheesecakes

"We want to thank our amazing local business participants and encourage everyone to come help an incredible cause. This is the perfect opportunity to get out, shop and support Women United, United Way of Marion County and ReadingPals," said Laurie Ann Truluck, chair of Women United.

Women United for ReadingPals is a movement of local women who invest in transforming our community's future by directing their time, talent, and treasure to United Way's ReadingPals program. With this strategic focus on early literacy, Women United is leading the charge to ensure children build the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

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ReadingPals focuses on developing early literacy skills, fostering meaningful mentor relationships, and building confidence and resilience in young learners—while instilling a lifelong love of reading. Through a partnership with Marion County Public Schools, ReadingPals serves kindergarten and VPK classrooms across Marion County, where dedicated volunteer mentors commit at least one hour each week during the school year.

Together, Women United champions early literacy as a critical pathway to long-term success, helping children develop the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive—one reader, one relationship, and one classroom at a time.

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About United Way of Marion County
United Way of Marion County mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. True to
our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Marion
County is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening
and responding to local needs. From supporting youth opportunities to addressing
financial security, growing healthy communities and building community resiliency, we're
working towards a brighter future for Marion County, Fla.

To learn more, visit https://www.uwmc.org