To the Editor:

 I’m extremely excited to be sending a letter to the editor about something I really care about, and that is the United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN). My wife Shana and I moved to Marshall in 1994 and raised two great kids Sadie Zahrbock Schaeffer and Simon Zahrbock, and we are proud to call this area home. I believe that I have a good grasp and understand the needs of my neighbors and I want to continue to help where I can.  I, like many of you, want to help make this a better place to live today and into the future, so please join me in supporting UWSWMN in any way you can. Your support can change lives of neighbors, friends and our communities.  UWSWMN continues to support local programs and activities that focus on health, education, financial stability, hunger, and safety/well-being of its community members.

 The 2022-23 UWSWMN campaign has begun and several local workplaces have already started their fundraising efforts. The need for financial support has never been greater in Southwest Minnesota. We have set a $550,000 donation goal which is 10% more than our 2021 giving, we know we can do it together as we look to help those in need. Your donations will be used to help domestic violence families, provide a bed for a family with that basic need, and even offer tax/finance assistance. Stuff the Bus is also another fantastic initiative, where school supplies received and then donated to all the local schools. All of these services are so important to our area, thus the reason we are excited about us coming together and reaching our goal of $550,000.

 There are many ways you can assist in the 2022-23 campaign.  Donating school supplies for Stuff the Bus or books for the Little Red Bookshelf program are a few options.  UWSWMN is always looking for volunteers to help at the many planned activities.  You can make a one-time financial donation, payroll deduction, or sponsor an event with proceeds going towards UWSWMN.  

 You can donate online at www.unitedwayswmn.org or you can mail your donation to United Way of Southwest Minnesota, PO Box 41, Marshall MN 56258.

 Your support helps United Way of Southwest Minnesota achieve our mission to support Every Person in Every Community, Every Day of the Year.

 Hans Zahrbock

Marshall

— Hans Zahrbock is campaign chair for United Way of Southwest Minnesota