Rochester resident Matt Knutson is the communications and events director for United Way of Olmsted County.

“It’s amazing hearing people’s stories,” I told my wife after a rather busy day at work. This month of December I’ve been meeting with people connected to United Way of Olmsted County in an effort to share their stories and show the vast network of good that accompanies communities in which United Ways work. I’ve met with board members, donors, CEOs, volunteers, advocates, and perhaps most impactful, the people who benefit directly from United Way’s work

Though I’ve been writing for this newspaper for several years now, I don’t operate as a journalist who regularly meets with people and works to tell the stories of the community. It was an exciting opportunity to dip my toes in the journalist’s water a bit more this month to connect one-on-one with people and dig deeper into who they are. A former editor of mine once shared with me how freeing it was to be a reporter because with it comes the ability to ask anyone just about anything. That’s what I spent this month doing, and I recommend everyone finds a way to give it a try.

One person I talked with shared frustration about the systemic barriers preventing people struggling with mental health from getting the support they need. Though she was actively attempting to treat her own mental illness with professionals, it wasn’t until she reached a crisis that she truly received the care she needed.

Another individual shared his story of spending his early childhood years growing up in a refugee camp. He highlighted the struggles of camp life without access to clean water, regularly relying on rain from the sky to quench thirst and clean themselves.

I had the opportunity to meet a mother of three children who found her family homeless after choosing to leave an unhealthy relationship. Her dreams for her children coupled with the progress they’ve made towards stability was inspiring.

One person I met with recently retired and spends her time volunteering for seniors — mowing, shoveling, delivering meals, etc. She gives back because she knows she’ll need that same help some day. I can only imagine what our communities would be like if we all did a fraction of what she does.

Then there was an elementary student who was connected to dental care because his family was unable to afford it. He can now focus in class without the distraction of pain in his tooth. It’s amazing what can happen to someone when a barrier is removed.

I chatted with many donors who shared they give back because that’s how they were raised. They recounted stories of their parents not having much, but giving whenever and wherever they could because that’s what we are suppose to do.

Almost everyone I talked to spoke of the importance of the community coming together to create solutions across a variety of issues. They all seemed to recognize that it is better to march together toward progress rather than attempt to improve their community in isolation. I’d have to agree.

When I met with a local high school student, she shared her ambition to be the first member of her family to attend college. Through one program that my United Way funds, she’s developed leadership skills, took a deeper dive into STEM education and visited colleges she now views as part of her future. She offered up the need to help people in our communities because we never know what someone’s potential may be if they are stuck in a difficult situation. In her words, you never know who the next Einstein might be, and if that person doesn’t have access to a quality education, appropriate health care or financial stability, they may never meet their potential.

While each United Way operates fairly independently, I know the same stories I’ve been hearing in my community are ones that can be found in Albert Lea and the surrounding area. There are people in your community that need help, and there is no better time to give. We’re in the midst of the holidays, and as my co-worker reminded me the other day, generosity is always in season. In these last few days of the year, please find a way to give back. You might just be rewriting someone’s story. As a community, let’s help more people have a happy ending.