Live United by Erin Haag

 

Our office is a pretty busy place these days. The phone’s ringing off the hook, people are stopping by and the mail to go through is several inches thick. We’ve been invited to speak at service clubs, round table discussions and plan on attending a conference here in a couple of weeks. Those mailers that went out recently are rolling back in. I’m so pleased the delay hasn’t deterred people from giving. 

If you haven’t received a mailer, there’s still time to give to the 2019 campaign. Pledge cards are available at our office, Home Federal, Farmer’s State Bank and Wells Fargo. We’ll be accepting pledges through Jan. 24. Just a reminder, if we’re not in the office, there’s a white locking drop box mounted to the wall outside my office door. Our office is at 314 S. Broadway, in the Vitality Center. The building is typically open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If our staff is out of office, you’re welcome to drop off socks at a box by the front receptionist desk.

Many have been asking if we’re still accepting coats and winter gear. We’re accepting any children’s winter gear. Adult winter gear should be suitable for being outdoors in the wintertime, preferably waterproof. Our biggest need now is donations of new socks. 

These donations will be handed out at the 2020 Community Connect event Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. 

Community Connect was originally designed to provide an opportunity for our most vulnerable populations  to learn about resources available in our community and to receive services such as haircuts and a meal. They’ll be able to meet our local first responders, receive assistance for housing, public health needs, energy assistance and more. United Way of Freeborn County will be there hosting the sock table and handing out any coats left over from our winter gear drive. 

One point I want to make very clear though is that this event is for our entire community. Maybe you don’t need all the resources and services provided, but your neighbor might. Or the day after, you might meet someone who could use the information you learn about. 

There’s been a lot of discussion on social media about how to get involved in our community. This is a great opportunity to meet our community leaders, learn about resources and to volunteer. Currently there are openings for the welcoming committee. It’s a little scary to walk into a big room with a lot of information. Having a welcoming person who’s willing to talk to you, learn your story and help guide you can make that a little easier. If this is up your alley, please give us a call at 507-373-8670. 

My daughter’s idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve was to snuggle up on the couch, have snacks and watch “Because of Winn-Dixie.” That sounded pretty good to her parents and brother, so that’s exactly what we did. Her second-grade class has been reading the book, and she has talked nonstop about it. If you’re not familiar with the story, it’s about a girl named Opal. Opal moves to a small town and finds a dog. This small town is dismal, and it’s difficult to find friends there. With the help of her smiling dog, Opal makes friends in unlikely places, and brings them together. A dog that smiles and creates havoc wherever he goes is the ideal hook for my daughter. She doesn’t miss the bigger picture though. My Gracie’s taken to heart the moral of the story — to build connections with people and to share your sorrows — and to share your joys. My daughter would tell you that you can’t just talk about the bad stuff. You have to talk about the good stuff, too, otherwise you forget that it’s there. Turns out Gracie had picked the perfect movie to usher in a new decade. 

In 2020, I encourage you to share your sorrows, and to also share your joy. Reach out to your neighbor, make a new friend and speak positive and encouraging words. Make a commitment to your community. Make a commitment to live united.

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