The Rocking the Block collaborative partners, including The United Way of Freeborn County, Shinefest, Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Habitat for Humanity, wish to thank all of the businesses and individuals who helped improve lives of local residents this August.

Together, we served seven families in the Freeborn County area during the week of Aug. 15 to 22. There were over 250 volunteers who stepped up to help out during the week of service, and 30 businesses, churches and service clubs were involved, either providing financial support or volunteers.

We would like to especially thank Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, Cuppage Foundation, Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Hubbard Feeds, as well as individual businesses for supporting the project this year.

We would also like to thank the Albert Lea Seed House, city of Albert Lea, Elite Pet & Garden, Freeborn Lumber Co., Larson Manufacturing, Peterson Excavating, The Home Depot, Thompson Sanitation and Valspar for their in-kind donations of materials. Thank you, also, to the Salvation Army and local businesses for providing meals, snacks and beverages for volunteers.

A special thank you is extended to our phenomenal project managers! Without their knowledge and flexibility, we would have been unable to successfully complete the rehab projects. Thank you to Phil Wacholz, Ryan Applegate and Barry Back, Chuck Avery, Dale Kelly, Brent Johnson, Jim Troe and Mark Smed and Erwin Hill for making sure everything went smoothly at each site.

A final thank you to our media partners, the Albert Lea Tribune and KIMT News channel 3 for fantastic coverage of the event this year!

Each year, we’ve been excited to engage new partners and volunteers and ultimately build a stronger community through connecting people in meaningful work.

We look forward to working with all of you next year! For updates, please visit the United Way website: www.unitedwayfc.org. Also “like” us on Facebook to view a photo album this year and hear updates on local activities/events.

Thank you for living united!

 

Ann Austin

Albert Lea