United Way of McLeod County Board President Jennifer Grimsley announced today that due to the current economic realities, the regional non-profit has extended its current “Fall Campaign” to March 31, 2010. After meeting with its partner agencies in May, the UWMC established a $280,000 county-wide campaign need this fall. Thus far in 2009, the campaign has received pledges of $168,000, or roughly 60% of the goal. Historically, the United Way campaign has ended with each calendar year. 

“We felt that it was in the best interest of our partner agencies to extend our campaign through the first quarter of 2010. The last thing we want to do is to have to cut grants to agencies that are helping so many in need right now,” said Grimsley. “Despite the unwavering generosity of so many individuals, families and businesses in McLeod County this fall, we were not able to reach our goal in 2009 alone.” 

“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 that was established this spring,” said UWMC Executive Director Paul Thompson. “By extending our deadline it will allow us to explore opportunities, that due to increased volume with a county-wide campaign, we haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet.” 

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.  

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