United Way of

Southwest Minnesota

Local volunteers came together in this area 50 years ago to improve community conditions.  By giving, volunteering and lending their voice to the cause, people have made a real difference and are an example of what it means to LIVE UNITED. 

We give you a BIG thanks for the tremendous trust you've place in United Way of Southwest Minnesota in the past, and we look forward to all we can accomplish together in the future.

Area cake decorators are invited to take part in the Great Cake Bake 2012 which will be held on Sat, Oct 13 (1 - 4 PM).  The Great Cake Bake is a celebration of the 50 year anniversary of United Way of Southwest Minnesota.  The theme will emphasize events, icons, images, music, etc., from the 1960's. 

The event will be held at the Marshall Area YMCA, 200 South A Street, Marshall, MN.  Click here for more information about the categories for entries, the rules and registration form.  The registration deadline is October 10.

In addition to the showcase of great cakes there will be a silent auction of cakes, children's activities and educational sessions about cake decorating.

2010 Great Cake Bake winners in the youth division proudly show off their cake.

School supplies, eye glasses, clothing items, boots, gloves, snow pants, field trip activity fees, first aid supplies or other items that students need are some of the uses of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota student emergency fund grants to twenty-two area schools. Grants are used by schools to help meet unusual, unfunded basic needs of needy students.

A total of $8,780 has been awarded to twenty-two schools that are located within the United Way of Southwest Minnesota service area. Grants for the 2012-13 school year are based upon the number of students eligible for free and reduced lunches at each school.

Schools receiving grants: Canby, Clarkfield Area Charter School, E.C.H.O. Charter School, Hendricks, Holy Redeemer, Ivanhoe, Lake Benton, Lakeview, Lynd, Marshall, Marshall Area Christian School, Milroy, M.I.L.R.O.Y Charter School, Minneota, Murray County Central, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, St. Edward School, St. Mary's School, St. Peter's School, Tracy Area, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Yellow Medicine East. 

Here is a full menu of delicious ways that you can help support our communities this fall.

Click here to find the list of all the special events, as well as coupons or special codes that are needed.  Here are few upcoming events:

Stop at Burger King (Marshall) on Tuesday, Sept 25 between 5 - 9 PM.  $1 will be donated to United Way for every FREE cone that is served.

Try a yummy Asian Smoothie at Hunan Lion (Marshall) between Sept 25 - 30 and $1 will be donated to United Way.

Every Tuesday until December 11 Applebee's (Marshall) will donate 15% of your ticket (4 - 9 PM) if you present a coupon to your server.

On Thurs, Oct 4 volunteers will read to young children at schools and libraries throughout this area.  Sixty-six volunteers are needed (mostly in the morning) to help read a story, to distribute activity sheets and to present children with a sticker that indicates that they helped set a world record.  Click here for more information and locations for this year's events.  Send us an email if you can help!

A special copy of Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad will be left at each location. 

Last year's Read for the Record engaged young learners in a positive literacy-building activity.

Volunteer.