October brings the United Way campaign into full swing with all of the packets going out to employers and households in Freeborn County. As I have stated before, the need in Freeborn County this year is $645,000, and as of the writing of this article, we are just over $90,000.

As the information gets to you, I hope that you will consider an increase in your giving this year. Economic times are tough for everyone, but the less fortunate need our help. How many of us stop once, twice or more each week for coffee on the way to work? I know that I do, and that dollar or two spent would go a long way toward helping those in need. One of the agencies that benefit from the United Way is the Albert Lea Family YMCA. Thanks to the generous support that the United Way gives each year, no one is ever denied membership to the Family Y. All second-grade students also receive free membership because of your support.

Many different fundraisers and events are happening as we brace ourselves for another Minnesota winter. The first ever Live United Disc Golf Outing was held at Bancroft Bay Park. As you have seen in the sports page, my team again racked up the highest score just as we did at the United Way Golf Outing earlier this summer. We had a great time, met some new people and brought awareness to the United Way.

This past week was also full with presentations to Alliant Energy, the Rotary Club and the noon Kiwanis Club. We enjoy going out in the community and spreading the word about United Way and how it can help those in need. If your group or service club would like to have us come and speak, just call the United Way office at 373-8670 to set up a time. This week we will be going out to Innovance Companies and the Golden K Kiwanis Club.

Upcoming events include the annual Wine Tasting, which will be at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club on Nov. 6. This event has continued to grow over the years, and, thanks to the generosity of Ron Freeman and Fountain Warehouse Liquor, we have raised a great deal of money toward our need every year.

Please take the time to assess your role in the United Way. Give (of your time, talent and money), advocate (volunteer your time to United Way to help meet our goal) and volunteer (help out at church, school or other non-profits that so desperately need our help).

Steve Merfeld is the chairman of the 2009 fundraising campaign for the United Way of Freeborn County.