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Southeast Minnesota Realtors members raised $1,585 for the backpack food program at Albert Lea Area Schools, according to a press release.

With the stay-at-home directive due to COVID-19 in place, the Realtor and affiliate Albert Lea members of SEMR had to cancel their annual spring fling auction/fundraiser they hold annually to benefit nonprofits in the Albert Lea area. A virtual fundraiser was held during April and $1,585 was raised to benefit the backpack program that has been providing free food for children in the Albert Lea school district.

In the past, the fundraiser has benefited the Albert Lea Fire Department, Salvation Army food shelf, Christmas lights for Albert Lea, the Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity.