By Kayleen St. Louis

United Way Project Coordinator

Back in October, we at the United Way of Mower County announced that our 2016-17 campaign goal would be at $1.225 million. We set our sights high for this goal, because we truly know that there is a need in our community. We are 97 percent of the way to our goal and we need your help.  We believe that we all have a responsibility to the community where we live and work. Our community is what we make of it, and we believe we can make a significant impact on those around us.

When you invest in the United Way of Mower County, you are investing in results. Of the funds raised here, 99 percent are used in our community to support more than 57 local programs that fight for the Education, Income, Health, and Basic Needs for everyone in our community. If you are worried that your donation won’t make an impact, remember that — just $2.50 a week provides one hungry Mower County child with meals for an entire school year.  And $15.00 a week can provide professional support services and advocacy for one victim of crime and abuse in Mower County.

We can do so much more together than we can alone. It is our mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. In order to meet our mission and provide services in our community we rely on the generosity of individuals and local businesses for support.

Without the support of our donors we would not be able to serve so many in our community. The United Way of Mower County recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. Through partnerships with public and private institutions, United Way is targeting the root causes of social issues to effect real and lasting change.

We are still short of our goal of $1.2 million, but there is still time to reach the goal and to make a big impact in our community — we just need your help. Your donation to the United Way Campaign can impact so many families and individuals in our community.

Through a donation with the United Way you can help provide a quality education for children, help confront the financial struggles of working families, advocate for those with behavioral health and addiction, and help lift the ones who are tired from the struggle. No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone.

Donate today, by sending a check to P.O. Box 605, Austin, MN 55912. Or call our office at 507-437-2313 or go online to www.uwmower.org, for alternative ways to donate. Please help us ensure that we continue to support these vital programs that strengthen our community.