Mailbag
To the Editor:
It has been a great honor to have the opportunity of being a member of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) Board of Directors this past year. I’ve learned a great deal this first year. I have been very fortunate to see firsthand how the UWSWMN touched the lives of over 52,600 local people in 2019-20 with the many services made available by our community partner programs. USWSWMN has several different priority areas in which we provide funding including health, education, financial stability, hunger, and safety and well-being.
These priority areas are touched in every corner of our service area. In Lyon and Lincoln counties, United Way of Southwest Minnesota has organized and distributed hygiene items in two targeted drives as well as the Stuff the Bus School Supply Initiative.
UWSWMN also funds free tax preparation clinics, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Domestic Abuse Services through the Women’s Rural Advocacy Programs and also provided funding for the Minnesota Reading Corps in area schools.
These and other investments are made possible through the contributions of area individuals and businesses. We are closing this year’s campaign season on January 31, 2020.
Thank you for the many donations we have already received towards our $600,000 goal. We have currently reached 89.8% of our goal totaling $539,081.36. Our service area has always lived up to our reputation of caring for our neighbors.
Please consider any amount, great or small to be shared with our community partners. Our service areas include individuals who live in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine and portions of Cottonwood, Lac qui Parle, Nobles and Redwood counties.
All contributions stay local, your donations are literally helping your neighbor. United Way of Southwest Minnesota has been certified in accountability and awarded the Charities Review Council “Meets Standards” Seal.
This certification indicates that UWSWMN meets all 25 of the Council’s Accountability Standards-demonstrating accountable and ethical practices. This notable accreditation is the direct result of a hardworking staff and a dedicated board.
To make a contribution or learn more about the work of your local United Way, please visit www.UnitedWaySWMN.org.
Donations can be mailed directly to: UWSWMN PO Box 41, Marshall, MN 56258 or online on the website listed above. Thank you! Brian Jeremiason United Way of Southwest Minnesota Board Director