With two calamities in Freeborn County in recent months, the United Way of Freeborn County is giving $20,000 to a newly-established disaster fund to ensure a steady flow of assistance to people needing help.

Thursday, July 12, 2001

With two calamities in Freeborn County in recent months, the United Way of Freeborn County is giving $20,000 to a newly-established disaster fund to ensure a steady flow of assistance to people needing help.

&uot;We are reaching out to help all people in Freeborn County who have suffered from our disasters,&uot; said United Way Executive Director Jean Eaton.

Eaton hopes individuals and businesses will bolster the new fund with cash donations. It’s a crucial time for the community to rally behind the workers of Farmland, she said Wednesday at a community meeting.

&uot;I know Albert Lea can recover from this. We have the programs in place to help,&uot; Eaton said.

Money collected for the disaster assistance fund will be distributed to the 16 charities and agencies of the United Way to help families affected by Sunday’s fire at Farmland as well as the Glenville tornado May 1, Eaton said. Collection points include US Bank and Americana Bank in Albert Lea, Hayward and Alden. Pledges can also be faxed to the United Way at 507-377-0851.

Eaton also announced that the United Way will host an agency fair Friday at Albert Lea High School to let Farmland workers know where they can receive help. Representatives from several local agencies will be at the fair to answer questions and distribute information about their programs.

Eaton said a bilingual resource guide will be available, as well as Spanish-speaking counselors and pastors. The fair follows and employee meeting where paychecks will be distributed, she said.

&uot;We want to be the place that people can call and visit for help,&uot; Eaton said.

Call 507-373-8670 for more information about the disaster assistance fund and Friday’s agency fair.