Agencies helping real people in Freeborn County

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 17, 2001

From staff reports

The United Way of Freeborn County kicked off the 2001 Campaign this past week.

Monday, September 17, 2001

Email newsletter signup

The United Way of Freeborn County kicked off the 2001 Campaign this past week. For those of you who attended our three-event celebration at the Community Theatre, thank you. Our hearts weighed low with grief for families affected by the tragic events of this country. Little did we know the celebration we hoped to have Tuesday would be much different than planned.

Little did we know this year’s theme ‘Real People, Real Lives, Real Results,’ would carry with it such intensity as it has locally and nationally throughout the year. But, truly it’s real people who, in their every day lives, use the services of the 16 agencies which your contribution supports, and it’s because of your generosity that hundreds of people in Freeborn County are provided services through campaign pledges, hard work of volunteers and the dedication to our agencies.

This dedication to our agencies and the hard work of volunteers carried this spirit during our ‘Week of Caring,’ this past week, when 21 businesses and countless volunteers spent time painting, fixing, unloading and entertaining people associated with our agencies. We are so proud of your efforts: Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Freeborn County, US Bank, Alliant Energy, Bayview Funeral Home, Kerry Ingredients, Jan Adams PA, Lou Rich, Inc., Streater, Albert Lea Seed House, Progress Castings, Wells Fargo, Wal-Mart, Schweigert Foods, City of Albert Lea, Shopko, Security Bank, Americana National Bank, Riverland Community College, Albert Lea Medical Center – Mayo Health System, and Albert Lea School District 241. A special thanks to Chris Hedlund, Chair of the Week of Caring and his team for putting this project together. Your efforts have made a difference in many people’s lives.

We also are pleased with the results of our first week’s effort. The United Way of Freeborn County has reached 10% of its goal of $500,000. Keep up the good work. Let’s work together to make this year’s campaign another campaign our 16 agencies can count on to do the work they are here to do!

Pam Bishop is the 2001 campaign chairwoman for the United Way of Freeborn County.