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.

United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that the regional non-profit will have an informational exhibit booth at the McLeod County Fair which takes place August 18-22 in Hutchinson. The five-day run of the fair will serve as the kick-off period to the UWMC’s 2010-11 Campaign.

“With our focus on serving individuals, families and communities in McLeod County, we believe that the fair is a great opportunity to inform people of our mission,” said Grimsley. “We welcome folks to stop by our booth and learn about the agencies and programs we are partnering with, in addition to registering children for our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.”

Grimsley announced that the organization would conduct its 2010-11 Campaign in a similar manner to the last few years. The residential, small business, public employees and major firm campaigns will be staggered in monthly increments beginning the week of August 18. McLeod County residents will begin seeing UWMC campaign materials beginning with the August 22, Hutchinson Leader Shopper. Donations to the 2010-11 Campaign can be made through March 31.