Live United, by Erin Haag

The first week of December, I got a phone call with a question that really threw me for a loop. The very kind person on the phone wanted to know if there was going to be a mailer this year. That was the first moment I realized that there had been a mailer. In the days that followed, more people started asking. It’s never easy stepping into someone else’s shoes. There’s always a huge list of questions — and then there’s the fact that you don’t know what you don’t know.

It might seem like it would be common sense to do a mailer. However, I learned this year that more and more United Ways are choosing to reduce the cost of postage, and focus on newspaper, radio and social media advertising. While I didn’t make a conscious decision to do this, I did focus on other areas of getting the word out. Lesson learned. Our community likes the mailers. They look for it each year. What works for other communities doesn’t work here. Upon realizing this, the decision was made to send out mailers this week.

I wish I could say it’s been a simple process though. With new board members who are rolling up their sleeves and diving into the nitty gritty of learning our software, designing the advertising pieces, navigating the process of figuring out bulk mileage prices and learning the art of the merge in Excel to create address labels, well, we all have had some learning experiences. This year’s mailer might not be what you’re used to. It’s most likely going to be a little simpler, without as much information as you’re used to. It’s coming really late, and we know that. We’ll learn from the process, and improve on it next year. Just in case you’re wondering, thank you cards and tax receipts are scheduled to be sent out in January.

The exciting piece of this for us is the number of people asking about it. The number of people who have stopped by my office and introduced themselves, and picked up a pledge card. The number of people who have jotted a note and sent in their donation. Every single person who spoke up has also shown great understanding and empathy for the transition. I appreciate all the grace we’ve been given this year. If you happen to be one of those who has sent one in, please know that a mailer might come to your address. It doesn’t mean we didn’t receive your donation. We are hoping you’ll share the mailer with someone who might not have gotten one, and talk about why you choose to live united. Help us spread the word!

In other news, we have some changes in our office. Last month, we said goodbye to Kristin Bergdale. We miss her greatly, but we’re so proud of her incredible job offer in international marketing. We’ll be thinking of her as we sleep in our beds while she’s on the phone with people on the other side of the world just starting their day. While Kristin may not be here to arm wrestle with anyone who challenges her, there’s a new face to welcome. Cindy Dowd is our new community relations director. Cindy has a wealth of experience and is excited to share her knowledge of advocacy with our community.

United Way of Freeborn County will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Cindy will be in the office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31. If you’re looking for a mailer, a pledge card or any other information, please call our office or stop by. We’ve also teamed up with Home Federal, Wells Fargo and Farmer’s State Bank to have pledge cards available to pick up there. They can be returned via mail at 314 S. Broadway, or just stop by our office. If we miss you stopping by, there’s a locked deposit box mounted on the wall outside my office. From United Way of Freeborn County, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and our heartfelt thank you for supporting our community!

Erin Haag is the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.