“We are continually amazed by the generosity of the individual donors, small businesses and corporations throughout McLeod County that enable us to make these community investment grants,” said Grimsley. “We have been able to distribute $95,000 in 2010 thus far. 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 will kick-off its 2010-11 Fall Campaign in August with a variety of events, including a booth at the McLeod County Fair (August 18-22). UWMC supports programs in the areas of: emergency and basic needs, health and human services, child development and community development. In 2010 the UWMC is funding 42 agencies/programs that support the organization’s mission of impacting the needs of McLeod County by building stronger, healthier communities.

“Upon the completion of our annual volunteer-led Community Investment Review, we feel confident that the UWMC will again partner with outstanding agencies in 2011,” said Grimsley. “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,” 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.”

Following are the 36 agencies/programs to be funded by the UWMC in 2011.

2011 United Way of McLeod County Partnering Agencies

Emergency and Basic Needs:

The Salvation Army-Northern Division

Heartland Community Action – Housing Program

Heartland Community Action – Transportation Program

McLeod County Chapter American Red Cross

McLeod Emergency Food Shelf

Common Cup

Health and Human Services:

McLeod Public Health Nursing – Car Seats Program

McLeod Public Health Nursing – Universal Contact Program

McLeod Treatment Programs – Group Homes

McLeod Treatment Programs – Visitation Exchange

Mental Health of Minnesota (McLeod Service Area)

McLeod Alliance for Victims of Domestic Violence

Shelter House

Shelter House – Advocacy Program

Child Development:

Hutchinson Parks, Recreation and Community Education

McLeod Family Connection – Activities Program

McLeod Family Connection – Police/Sherriff Program

McLeod Family Connection – Homework Help Program

Girl Scouts of Minnesota & Wisconsin River Valleys

Northern Star Council – Boy Scouts of America

Glencoe-Silver Lake School District – Early Childhood Family Education

Hutchinson School District – Early Childhood Family Education

McLeod County 4-H Federation

Civil Air Patrol – Cadet Program

Friendship Ventures

Community Development:

Aveyron Homes

Crow River Habitat for Humanity

Adult Training and Habilitation Center

Courage Center

West Central Industries

Compassionate Friends

The Arc United – Central Region

Parent Connection

Lutheran Social Services (Respite Program)

Lutheran Social Services (Senior Nutrition Program)

MEADA of McLeod County

“This year’s campaign was a real testament to the generosity of people in the region,” said Grimsley. “Thanks and gratitude from our board of directors and staff goes out to the individuals, families, small businesses and corporations that gave of themselves in these challenging economic times.”

The $232,000 pledged amount marks the third highest total raised in a single campaign since the organization began its work in the area in 1962. Last year UWMC partner agencies provided 33,000 units of service to individuals in McLeod County. In the last decade, the UWMC has dedicated over $2,000,000 in community investment to nearly 100 agencies providing services and programs in the area.

Campaign deadline: March 31st, 2010.

Goal Reached: 80%

Where: Zellas at 14, Main St in Hutchinson.

Social: Cash Bar (5:30-6:30 p.m.); Dinner (6:30 p.m.)

Music by Mona Hjerpe, Ronda Eckhart, John Rodeberg, Jon Lindekugel

Tickets: $50/person. Please inquire about our group discounts.

RSVP by mail or phone call by March 12, 2010. Seating is limited.

*Proceeds from this fundraiser go towards Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the general campaign.

“Our United Way is pleased to announce that due to the generosity of individual donors, small businesses and corporations throughout McLeod County, we are able to distribute these allocation checks,” said Grimsley. “We want to thank everyone who has donated to the 2009-10 campaign thus far, because their dollars are going to fund outstanding programs and help many deserving individuals and families.” 

Due to the current economic realities, the regional non-profit has extended its current campaign to March 31, 2010. After meeting with its partner agencies last May, the UWMC established a $280,000 county-wide campaign need. Thus far in 2009-10, the campaign has received pledges of $196,000, or roughly 70% of the goal. 

UWMC supports programs in the areas of: emergency and basic needs, health and human services, child development and community development. In 2010 the UWMC is funding 42 agencies/programs that support the organization’s mission of impacting the needs of McLeod County by building stronger, healthier communities. 

Donations to help fund partner agencies and programs supporting area residents can be sent to the United Way of McLeod County located at 218 Main Street South, Suite 124, PO Box 504, Hutchinson, MN 55350.

Years ago a local Boy Scout troop took on the creation of a United Way thermometer as a team project. Following its completion, it resided on the south banks of the Crow River each fall. The last sighting of that thermometer was it being placed into a storage shed. There really was no explanation or reason for it, our organization just stopped using that specific tool.

At our November board meeting, a director asked why we don’t use the thermometer anymore. The person pointed out that while we have a lot of attention around our kickoff at the county fair, most folks are not aware that we are still in the midst of our campaign in December. The board member continued that while we get a good deal of publicity from the local media, not everyone will see an ad or have the time to read a commentary. The person believed that it was a good start that an individual resident gets a mailed brochure, or a small business owner will hang a poster, but time spent thinking about United Way is minimal for most. Even for the thousands who participate in a workplace campaign each year, the commitment to a United Way presentation or special event is limited.

At that meeting we agreed that the thermometer is an effective visual piece, in that if done right, people will be curious to see just how the campaign is faring. While not everyone will read today’s newspaper, there is a good chance that folks will take notice of an eight-foot thermometer in Library Square or elsewhere in the county. Whether noticing the thermometer leads people to make a campaign contribution remains to be seen, however we feel that it certainly can’t hurt.

That leads me to the more serious nature of this commentary. As of Christmas our organization had raised $168,000, or 60 percent of our 2009-10 campaign goal of $280,000. The former total marks a $32,000 decrease from where we were a year ago, en route to raising $235,000 overall during the 2008-09 campaign. We are a long way from where we need to be and time is running out. We are so grateful to the individuals, families, businesses and corporations who have given so far, they have all been as generous as they can. Now we are appealing to those who have not, but can, afford to make a contribution before our March 31 campaign deadline.

We are hopeful that another $56,000 will come in from efforts that are currently underway in workplaces throughout the county and from national corporate campaigns that are not processed locally. However, even if those projections are realized, they will boost the campaign only to 80 percent of the need, leaving a shortfall of an additional $56,000.

What that means to our region is that help may not be available at a time when help is needed the most. All funds raised by the United Way of McLeod County remain in the area to provide grants to critical human service programs delivered by our 42 partners. If the campaign falls short, the United Way will see a drastic reduction in its ability to provide these grants. Programs that have a real impact on local people’s lives will lose vital funding, and the recipient organizations, most of which already are stretched to the limit with their own fundraising efforts, urgently need those United Way dollars.

6 a.m. A woman drops her son off at West Central Industries. She is relieved to know that he will learn skills that will provide independence and self sufficiency. 

7 a.m.  Campers at Friendship Ventures awake to another day of play, nature discovery and group activities designed to promote self-esteem, while teaching life-enhancing skills.  

8 a.m.  A first time parent is provided information from a Public Health Nurse regarding new baby care, infant/child growth and development, home safety, parenting and community resources. 

9 a.m.  A nine-year-old girl attends McLeod County Day Camp, learning leadership skills she will use throughout her life. 

10 a.m.  A volunteer from Courage Center picks up a woman in Winsted and drives to her medical rehabilitation appointment, so that she may lead a healthier, more independent life. 

11 a.m.  A third grade class participates in a series of sessions regarding their roles as individuals, workers and consumers while learning about economic and workforce issues though Junior Achievement.  

12 p.m.  A local family that does not have winter clothes receives warm coats, hats and gloves from Common Cup Ministry. 

1 p.m.  A family of four in Stewart moves into a stable home built by Crow River Habitat for Humanity volunteers. 

2 p.m.  An American Red Cross instructor presents to a Silver Lake class about emergency preparedness. 

3 p.m.  Children arrive at an afterschool program provided by McLeod County 4-H, rather than going home to an empty house. 

4 p.m.  A ten-year-old boy from a low-income family is able to participate in athletic activities through the Hutchinson Parks, Recreation and Community Education. 

5 p.m.  An elderly woman sits down to a hot meal provided by Lutheran Social Services-Senior Nutrition Program. 

6 p.m.  A toddler and her parents participate in a class that nurtures growth and development of their family through Early Childhood Family Education. 

7 p.m.  A local Girl Scout troop meets to rake leaves for a terminally ill patient. 

8 p.m.  A small group of parents who have lost a child meet to lend support to each other through Compassionate Friends. 

9 p.m.  A father attends a Parent Connection meeting for support and help in dealing with parenting issues. 

10 p.m.  Parents put their children to bed by reading the newest book they received as part of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. 

11 p.m.  A family does not go hungry tonight thanks to the McLeod Emergency Food Shelf. 

12 a.m.  Civil Air Patrol Cadets return from a search and rescue mission. 

1 a.m.  A young woman is checking into Shelter House to escape an abusive relationship. 

2 a.m.  The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance and temporary housing for a family who has lost their home to fire. 

3 a.m.  A young woman calls the McLeod Alliance for Victims of Domestic Violence help line to find information regarding protection orders. 

4 a.m.  A family is warm in their beds thanks to assistance provided by Heartland Community Action. 

5 a.m.  A mother in need of formula for her infant daughter calls 2-1-1 for free information and referral services. She is referred to local agency that provides assistance for low income families.

(This article was written by UWMC Executive Director Paul Thompson for local newspapers)

“On behalf of our partner agencies, the United Way of McLeod County wishes to thank all those who contributed to the 2008-09 campaign,” said Silvernale. “Those dollars are being used to fund worthy programs that are making a difference in so many lives in our area at this time. We are continually amazed by the generosity of the individual donors, small businesses and corporations throughout McLeod County that enable us to make these community investment grants.”