United Way of

Southwest Minnesota

This month, somewhere in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine or western Redwood Counties, a child will receive the 175,000th book delivered through the United Way of Southwest Minnesota partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  

That child will be one of 2,344 children currently receiving books each month through this partnership and one of thousands more preschoolers who have received books since the beginning of the partnership in August 2005.  There is no cost to the family.

The Imagination Library is an important element of United Way's goals for early childhood education.  Research indicates that Imagination Library improves school readiness and household literacy habits.  For example, a large-scale 2007 research project in Tennessee concluded enrollment improves school readiness not only in reading skills, but also in speaking, thinking, and social skills.

Learn more about the program and find out how to register by clicking here.

Children in Hendricks demonstrate all types of movement during their event on June 5.

Wild About Reading Events

Click here for a link to We Give Books Read For My Summer program.  This free on-line reading program is designed for children ages 5-8.  A book with activities will be featured each week.

This will be prepare you for Jumpstart's Read for the Record event that will occur on October 4.  (Watch for more local information about that exciting event). 

The summer program kick's off with Anna Dewdney's classic Llama Llama Red Pajama (a favorite Imagination Library selection).

We encourage parents to sign up for this weekly reading program and to enjoy the books and activities with their young children.

Would you like some information and tools about Financial Literacy? 

Consider attending the "Yes, You Can...Raise Financially Aware Kids" seminar hosted by Van der Hagen, Skogrand & Associates on Tuesday, June 12 (6:30 pm).

Call 507-532-2219 to make a reservation by June 11.

Visit Marshall Money.org to find links to all types of financial literacy tools.

Another reliable link with good financial literacy information is smart about money.org 

Remember this simple three digit number to call if you are seeking information about programs in your community.  (Cell phone users may need to dial 800-543-7709).  Calls are free, confidential and may be helpful to you.

Click here to visit the 2-1-1 website.

Donations to support early literacy programs like Imagination Library are always welcome and appreciated.  Each book costs United Way of Southwest Minnesota an average of $2.50. 

Donations can be mailed to PO Box 41, Marshall, MN 56258 or you can visit our secure donation link on our webpage by clicking here.

Planning has begun for this year's Stuff the Bus school supply collection drive.  Last year over 700 students were able to start school with proper supplies through this effort. 

We need your help!  Volunteer to collect supplies in your church, workplace or service organization.

Let us know if we can count on you by sending us an email.  Click here.