Each year the United Way of West Central Minnesota provides scholarships to students who are active community volunteers. There exists a natural gap between what government and businesses do to contribute to the community. Volunteers and non-profits fill that gap. 33 students in our area applied this year and four were selected to receive $500 scholarships sent directly to their college of choice.

Early on during the COVID pandemic, Peggy Ammerman of Willmar decided to sew masks for her husband and herself. She was further inspired to do something truly wonderful in service to the community. After finding a pattern, Peggy put her sewing machine to work. It became clear that high-quality masks were in short supply because of worldwide shortages of disposable masks and few fabric masks available in the market in adequate numbers. Peggy endeavored to help alleviate the issue locally, and the “Sew for Safety” movement was born.

A big thank you to everyone that came out to support us during our Miracle Minute at the Stingers game on June 7th.

At the heart of Doosan Bobcat's charitable giving is the idea that being a good corporate citizen is an ongoing responsibility. Doosan is dedicated to making our community a better place through corporate involvement. By helping to create stronger communities, they have a role in the enhancement of the quality of life for employees, future employees, and customers. Recently the United Way had the privilege of being involved with Doosan for their Doosan Day of Caring which assisted local non-profit organizations with much needed projects.

Are your calendars marked?

The 2021 schedule of locations and events is below. Feel free to download it and visit one or all locations. Tell your friends!

Have you missed previous newsletters? We have you covered! Find our newsletter archive available on our website and get caught up on all we are doing to enhance our communities locally.

United Way of West Central Minnesota is vested in helping prepare kids in our region for success in Kindergarten and beyond. One way United Way is able to do this is through the Imagination Library program. Imagination Library provides a new book each month to children aged birth to 5 years of age at no charge to families who are enrolled. Books are delivered to the child's home by US mail.

To qualify for Imagination Library, the child must reside in the United Way of West Central Minnesota's territory area. Learn more about this program on our website, or use the link to sign a child up.

Let us know you need them and we will invite you to stop by our offices to pick them up. Masks are available individually-wrapped or in packs of five.