United Way of McLeod County Board President Russ Trettin announced today that due to the current economic realities, the regional non-profit will continue its’ 2011-12 campaign until March 31. After meeting with its partner agencies, the UWMC established a $260,000 county-wide need this campaign. Thus far in 2011, the campaign has received pledges of $182,000, or 70% of the need. In years past, United Way campaigns had ended with each calendar year.

“We have seen the tremendous generosity of so many individuals, families and businesses in the region this fall, but despite that, we were not able to reach our goal in 2011 alone,” said Trettin. “We now feel it is in the best interest of our partner agencies to actively campaign through the first quarter of 2012. We do not want to have to cut community grants to agencies that are helping so many in need at this time.”

“By continuing to actively campaign in 2012, it will allow us to explore opportunities, that due to increased volume with a county-wide campaign, we haven’t had the chance to visit yet,” said UWMC Executive Director Paul Thompson. “We owe it to our partner agencies and all the people who benefit from their programs and services to press on toward meeting our county-wide need.”

United Way of McLeod County Board President Russ Trettin announced today that the regional non-profit will partner with 40 agencies/programs in 2012. The organization recently completed its Community Investment Review for the 2012 funding cycle. The UWMC has a goal for this campaign to raise $260,000 to impact communities county-wide by empowering partner agencies.

“Upon completing the work of our annual volunteer-led Community Investment Review, we are confident that the UWMC will again partner with outstanding agencies in 2012,” said Trettin. “These agencies represent a cross-section of funded programs servicing McLeod County in emergency and basic needs, health and human services, child development and community development.”

“On behalf of the UWMC board of directors and staff, I want to thank the 35 community volunteers and the 60 agency representatives that participated in the Community Investment Review in October,” said Executive Director Paul Thompson. “Annually we see the dedication and professionalism of the agency staff members that present their programs and the sense of community shown by the county-wide volunteers during the interview process.” Read the rest of this entry »

United Way of McLeod County Board President Russ Trettin announced today that the organization delivered $44,850 in checks during October, to 36 partnering agencies/programs. Those checks represent community investment grants for 2011 United Way funding. Checks were also delivered to agencies in January and June of this year.

“We are so grateful to our donors that we have been able to distribute $142,550 in community investment grants this year,” said Trettin. “Those dollars are being used to fund worthy programs that are making a difference in so many lives in our area at this time.”

The UWMC is currently in the midst of its 50^th annual campaign. UWMC supports programs in the areas of: emergency and basic needs, health and human services, child development and community development. In 2011 the UWMC is funding 36 agencies/programs that support the organization’s mission of impacting the needs of McLeod County by building stronger, healthier communities.

 The Hutchinson Buffalo Wild Wings is helping the United Way of McLeod County meet its financial goals by donating 15% from guests that present the ticket linked below on Wednesday, October 5th from 5-9 p.m.

Click Here for Ticket

Wednesday, October 5th, from 5-9 p.m
1040 Hwy 15 South
Hutchinson, MN

United Way of McLeod County Community Impact Committee chair Jacob Sanken announced today that the organization collected nearly 2,900 items during its’ Military Care Package drive August 12-22. The donated items, with an estimated retail value of $5,800, were processed and shipped August 23-25 to the local National Guard Unit recently deployed to Kuwait.

“We want to thank the generous individuals and businesses that made this initiative a success,” said Sanken. “We hope that these items come in handy for the nearly 150 National Guard troops from our region.”

“After gathering the collection boxes from the 19 sites around McLeod County, it was amazing to see it all assembled in our office,” said Executive Director Paul Thompson. “It took our volunteers three days to sort through all of the items and get them prepared for mailing. In the end, we sent 51 flat rate boxes and an additional five 30-plus pound crates. Thanks to everyone who donated items, or money to off-set the shipping costs.”

Military Care Package - United Way board members Ron Johnson (left), Jes Grandgenett (right) and Bonnie Fimon (background) sort through some of the 2,900 donated items.