The United Way of McLeod County has partnered with GiveMN.org to promote on-line philanthropy in the area through Give to the Max day on Tuesday, November 16. GiveMN allows contributors access to every charitable non-profit in Minnesota, while giving those organizations equal access to on-line contributors.

Minnesotans lead the nation in charitable giving – individuals in this state gave more than $4 billion to charity last year. The United Way of McLeod County, together with GiveMN.org – a first-of-its-kind giving web site for nonprofits in Minnesota – is working to change the way Minnesotans experience giving and help create a stronger nonprofit community in the state.

GiveMN allows donors to find and support organizations in McLeod County, like UWMC, that match their philanthropic goals and easily keep track of their donations in a single online location. GiveMN is the first giving-site focused specifically on nonprofits in a single state.

By giving online with GiveMN, community residents have the opportunity to make a difference. GiveMN was created by Minnesota donors and nonprofits for Minnesota donors and nonprofits, to help support and sustain the local nonprofit organizations that matter to each individual. (more…)

United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that the organization delivered $39,000 in checks during October, to 33 partnering agencies that encompass 42 area programs. Those checks represent the third installment of allocations for 2010 United Way funding. Initial rounds of checks were delivered to agencies in January and June.

 “We have been able to distribute $141,000 in 2010,” said Grimsley. “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’ 49^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 United Way of McLeod County is proud to partner with Glencoe-Silver Lake School’s Early Childhood Family Education program to present Top 20 Parenting – Raising Happy, Emotionally Healthy Children. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 19 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) at the G-SL High School Auditorium (1865 16th Street East). Top 20 Parenting is open to all interested parents and professionals. Continuing Education certificates are available.

The event will include the following topics: What do we want our parenting journey to look like? How will we prepare our children for their own life journey? Come find out what may motivate your children. Come laugh and learn at a free event designed to increase motivation, potential and boost learning.

For more information please contact G-SL ECFE at 320-864-2681, or via e-mail at gslECFE@gsl.k12.mn.us.

On Wednesday, October 6^th, the United Way of McLeod County will conduct a Small Business Blitz. The blitz will be a one-day event during which United Way volunteers will visit small businesses throughout Hutchinson to pick up donations for our 2010-2011 campaign.

A radio telethon will be included in this blitz. KDUZ (1260 AM) and KARP (106.9 FM) are providing an opportunity for businesses to receive free advertising and promote goodwill in our community through a donation. This is how it will work: when the United Way volunteer picks up a donation from a business, that shop will be recognized on the radio for its generosity (donation amount not aired). Individual employees are certainly welcome to participate as well.

Special “Thank you” advertising will be run in the Hutchinson Leader and aired on KDUZ (1260 AM) and KARP (106.9 FM).

Businesses have the option to pre-register for the “SBB”. They are welcome to donate and/or pledge a donation anytime before the blitz.

Please call 320-587-3613 with any questions or donation information.

The United Way of McLeod County will benefit from a chili cook-off to be held on Friday, October 1 (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), in the Wells Fargo parking lot (135 Main Street North , Hutchinson).  The cost of admission is $2 per bowl of chili, with proceeds going to the United Way.

Please call Amanda or Carissa at Wells Fargo (320-587-2122) if you would like to join the competition. The chili will be judged, with a prize going to the favorite entry.

That day marks homecoming for Hutchinson High School, all those attending wearing black and yellow will receive a free gift.