To the editor:

The United Way of Southwest Minnesota has been a steadfast presence fighting to improve the life of everyone in our community. Over the last five years, UWSWMN has re-invested more than $2.3 million in the following areas: Health, Education and Financial Stability, Hunger and Safety & Well-Being. Last year alone, nearly 50,000 of our friends, family and neighbors benefitted from the United Way’s internal programs and partnerships with community organizations.

This good work cannot continue without the support of our community. In less than two weeks, the United Way of Southwest Minnesota’s annual campaign comes to a close and currently is $99,854.41 short of our campaign goal of $625,000 needed to support local programing and people in 2019-2020. If we are not able to correct this current shortfall, it will undoubtedly result in cutbacks in funding to programs on which are neighbors rely such as food shelves that in turn rely on the UWSWMN for support.

To avoid this outcome, we are making a last push to correct this deficit and ask that you consider investing in our community and contribute so we can continue to improve lives in Southwest Minnesota. To make a contribution great or small, please visit  www.UnitedWaySWMN.org. Donations can also be mailed to UWSWMN, PO Box 41, Marshall, MN, 56258.

Abby Wikelius

United Way of Southwest Minnesota

Board of Directors