United Way

of Southwest Minnesota 

Many school children volunteer, gathering canned goods for a food shelf, raking leaves for a senior citizen, or reading with younger children.  Many students volunteer through class projects, church groups or youth organizations such as scouting or 4-H.

These students make a difference in their communities and earlier this fall they were invited to tell about it in an essay contest that was sponsored by United Way of Southwest MN and the Marshall Independent.  A total of 67 essays were submitted.

Prizes were awarded to eight winning essayists representing grade levels 3,4,5 and 6.  Click here to read the essays.

Winners were:  (photos l-r) Keygan Buysse, Holy Redeemer School; Ashtyn Eben, Marshall Middle School; Sarah Werner, Samuel Lutheran School; Tucker Groenhoff, Canby Elementary School; Sean Dilly, Minneota Elementary School; Joel Zabel, Marshall Middle School; Amanda Biastock, Samuel Lutheran School; and Evan Swanson, RTR Middle School.

In addition to a United Way t-shirt and certificate, each winner was presented a $100 savings bond sponsored by a local financial institution.  These awards were underwritten by Wells Fargo Bank, Bremer Bank, First Independent Bank and MinnWest Bank.

Independent judges for the essay contest were Gail Dammen, Ben Schamber, Carole Martin and John Allen. 

Looking for something different this year? Here are a few suggestions that will make a difference in your community:

$10 will underwrite the school supplies, book and dry erase board that are included in one Wild About Kindergarten Bag.  Next Spring, 750 of these will be presented to EVERY child attending Kindergarten Round-ups at all area schools. 

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

Click here to request gift certificate options today.
 

Click here for other Holiday Wish List options. 

Family Fun Night

The Marshall Area YMCA is sponsoring a family fun event on Dec. 16 (5:30 - 7:30 PM).  Watch for similar events the 3rd Friday of each month.

To date nearly $200,000 has been recorded for the annual campaign (38% of goal). Support and donations are still needed to make sure that local programs and services have the resources to make a difference in local people's lives - all year long. 

You can be a hero!  

Click here for secure donation link.