Well it’s that time of year again. The kickoff for the 2008 United Way campaign! Please join us for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the Albert Lea Inn. Since the kick-off is on 9/11 the theme is patriotic: red, white and blue.

We hope this kickoff will create some excitement for this year’s campaign. As all of us are aware, the economy is in a tough spot today. We believe that more and more people and families will need the services offered by our partner agencies. We hope everyone in Freeborn County will either give, advocate or volunteer their time or money for the United Way to help everyone Live United!

We have been very busy the last few weeks. We had training sessions with our “solicitors,” or as we are calling them now “advocates.” They will go to businesses in Freeborn County to deliver the pledge cards and information on United Way. It has been very fun to hear how enthusiastic and passionate people are about United Way.

We have also started visiting with teachers and staff at some of the schools in the county. It’s hard to believe school is starting on Tuesday!

Just a reminder of some fund-raising events coming up in the near future.

On Sept. 20 there will be a Lube-A-Thon sponsored by Hansen Tire. Please stop down to Hansen Tire and get your oil changed. The proceeds go to United Way.

Come out and see us at the Northbridge Mall Oct. 13 for the Giving Your Best Family Fair. Bring your children out for some fun activities.

Our wine tasting will be Nov. 7 at the Ramada Inn. This event is sponsored by Fountain Warehouse Liquor. There will be a silent auction. We hope to have many wonderful items for the auction.

The annual Keep the Fires Burning will be held Friday, Nov. 21, on the corner by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. We will stand on the corner collecting donations. We hope the weather will be warm that day!

One of the final events this year is the bowling fundraiser. It will be Dec. 7 at Holiday Lanes. Teams will be formed for some fun and a little friendly competition. This is a family event so all ages are welcome to participate.

For more information on these and other activities please contact the United Way office at 373-8670.

If you would like someone from the United Way to visit your business please call. We are more than willing to educate people on who we are and what we do.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be more involved with the United Way.

Tiffany Hagan is a co-chairwoman for the 2008 United Way of Freeborn County campaign.