United Way

of Southwest Minnesota

Live United - United Way
Give Advocate Volunteer
Frosty Tree
Give the Gift of Literacy

Live United Baby Santa Holiday time is a great time to tell family stories.  It is a good way to communicate with your children and a good way to develop literacy skills.  Studies of early readers show they come from homes where oral language is used in a variety of ways.

 

Family stories are great because you can tell them anywhere and anytime -- no batteries or books required.  Tell them about "When mommy was a girl...," "Grandma's favorite Christmas cookie is...," "Daddy's best Christmas present ever was..."   As they listen, they learn.  Click here for more info.

Alternative Gifts

Looking for something different this year?  Here are a few suggestions:

$10 will underwrite the school supplies, book and dry erase board that are included in one Wild About Kindergarten Bag.   These are presented to EVERY child attending Kindergarten Round-ups at all schools in this area each Spring. FACT:  750 young children receive these bags each year.

 
$30 will help one young child build a love of reading for an entire year (12 wonderful age-appropriate books).  FACT: Nearly 2,400 children in this area will receive a gift of a book in the mail each month during the coming year.

 

A donation of any amount will help advance the common good - education, income and health, for people who live in this area.  FACT:  Annually, 35-40 local agencies partner with United Way to make a real difference in people's lives in many important ways.

 


 

Tax Clinic Volunteers Needed
Last year, volunteers assisted in bringing back refunds for local people totaling nearly $1 million.  Consider volunteering to help this year (February - mid-April) as a Tax Preparer or a Greeter/Screener.  You must attend 2 training sessions that will be held in January.  Contact Angela Larson, Western Community Action, 507-537-1416 or by clicking here.

$1 YMCA guest passes will benefit the United Way campaign.

Between December 12 - 18 anyone can purchase 1 guest pass for $1 (limit 5 per person).  100% of proceeds will go to the United Way SWMN campaign. 

Easy Ways to Get Involved
Recycle your old Christmas lights
Don't throw away non-working strings of lights.  Canby DAC workers will prepare them for recycling. Drop the lights off at the United Way office for delivery to Canby DAC.
Gently Used Clothing Needed
Wear It's At appreciates gently used clothing items of all sizes.  The retail shop located at 1217 E College Drive, Marshall is a great place to find great bargains and to stretch your clothing budget.  It also provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities living in the area.
Donate your old cell phone
WRAP (Women's Rural Advocacy Program) will take your old phone no matter its condition.  These can be dropped of at any WRAP office location or at the United Way office.
Come Eat Pancakes on Jan. 8 at Applebee's (8-10 am).
"Firefighters to the Rescue", a favorite Imagination Library book, will be featured that morning.  Local firefighters will be reading it and other favorites to young children.  Look for a real fire truck to be on location, also.
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