Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

The 2020-21 United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) campaign recently kicked off. I've been fortunate to serve as one of the volunteer board members for UWSWMN. I, and other board members from throughout the region, help further the mission of the UWSWMN by focusing on the health, education, financial stability, hunger and safety & well-being of every person in every community.
"Every Person. Every Community" is the theme of this year's campaign. I had the privilege of working with other members of the team to produce a video that showcased come of the volunteers, donors, and projects from throughout the 35 communities that make up our service area.
This year, UWSWMN and its network of volunteers and corporate partners are working hard to raise money to support important programs and services throughout southwest Minnesota. In order to meet our goal, we need your help. Our annual fundraising campaign is the foundation of our mission of uniting people and resources to improve lives and strengthen communities in southwest Minnesota.
UWSWMN supports vital programs and services in our community. Each year, requests for financial support from local organizations exceed the amount the UWSWMN has available for distribution. This makes achieving our campaign goal even more important. The money raised through the campaign helps fund programs that positively benefit our communities. Donations help ensure children have opportunities and support available to them so they can achieve their full potential. Donations provide advocates for the health and safety for victims and their children in domestic violence situations. Donations help provide beds and services for families without a home. These programs and many others are available because of the amazing work performed by organizations throughout our area.
Without your support, UWSWMN would not be able to make the studies that it has taken to increase the financial stability of families, improve the education and development of our children and advance the health of the community as a whole.
Our new way to support UWSWMN is to roundup your purchases and donate the spare change to the UWSWMN. Every donation counts, even the small change. When you connect your card to the giving platform, you can choose to have every purchase you make with that card rounded up the nearest dollar, donating the extra change to UWSWMN. You can also cap the monthly donation applied to your card. It's a quick, easy way to support these important programs right here at home.
To make a donation, either one-time, monthly, or through the roundup program, visit www.unitedwayswmn.org/#donate. If you would prefer, you can also mail your donations to the United Way of Southwest Minnesota at P.O. Box 41, Marshall, MN 56258.
Your donations and support allow us to continue to improve lives and strengthen our communities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime, or visit our website at www.unitedwayswmn.org.

Brian Jeremiason
Minneota, MN