Freeborn County residents have the opportunity Wednesday to take part in one of the state’s largest online giving programs.

For a 24-hour span, starting at midnight Tuesday and going until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, people can go online to www.GiveMN.org to look up their nonprofit agency of choice and then donate online.

There are numerous Albert Lea and Freeborn County agencies included.

The push is being called “Give to the Max Day,” and it is the third year for the site to be up and running.

“It’s a great way for people to give,” said Freeborn County United Way Director Ann Austin. “And it’s a great way to learn about the organizations that are in our community.”

Austin said a lot of people aren’t giving cash like they used to and are instead choosing to give with their credit cards.

When people go to the Web site, they can read about the different organizations and find out more about where their money will be going. After the donations are made, people can go back in on the site and track their contributions as well. Donations are accepted throughout the year.

A quick search of “Freeborn County” on the website revealed the following Freeborn County organizations participating:

• United Way of Freeborn County

• Senior Resources of Freeborn County

• Arc of Freeborn County

• Freeborn County Historical Society

• Freeborn County Snowmobile Trail Association

• Freeborn County Humane Society

• Freeborn County Alcoholic Referral Center Inc.

• Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Foundation

• Freeborn County Pheasant & Habitat Inc.

• Freeborn County Licensed Day Care Association

• Freeborn County Agricultural Society

• Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity

• Community Mentor Connection

• STARS Mentor Program

• Albert Lea Family Y

• Montessori Children’s House of Albert Lea

Additional organizations come up by typing “Albert Lea” on the website.

Austin said for the United Way, specifically, people will be able to choose between donating to the organization as a whole, which gives to 33 programs, or to a specific fundraiser the United Way is supporting.

The fundraiser aims to collect money for families who are unable to participate in the children’s healthy snack cart program offered in kindergarten through fifth grades at four of the Albert Lea elementary schools.

A child can receive snacks off the cart for $45 for the entire year.

Freeborn County Historical Society Executive Director Pat Mulso said for her organization people can give a general donation or donate specifically to the building addition.

The goal is to raise $1.7 million for the expansion, with construction anticipated to begin in the spring.

Mulso said, so far, about $815,000 has been raised.

Plans for the expansion include a two-story, 10,000-square-foot addition, which would almost double the museum’s size. Plans also include an elevator, handicap-accessible restrooms and an improved entrance and parking for museum visitors. Space for meetings and events will also be expanded. To meet construction codes, the library will be moved to the lower level in a location close to the new entrance.

Mulso said plans for the project are being drawn up to go out for bids at the first of the year.

A few trees have been down in anticipation of the project and the organization is working this fall to prepare to break ground in the spring.

“We’re hoping that as things start happening, people will step forward,” she said.

Donations through GiveMN are tax deductible.

Austin said the first year of Give to the Max, Freeborn County as a whole raised more than $40,000.