Leaders busy sharing message of organization

 

The United Way of Freeborn County is in the middle of its annual giving campaign with a goal this year to raise $475,000.

Executive Director Erin Haag said the campaign seems to be off to a typical start with about a handful of businesses turning in their employee pledges thus far.

Haag said she and others are busy making presentations about the organization at various workplaces and educating people about the different programs and agencies the United Way supports.

“We would welcome any opportunities to come in and do a presentation,” she said. “If anyone wants to set one up, give our office a call.”

She said workplace presentations are a good way to spread the message of the United Way to many people all at once. Workplace campaigns make up a majority of donations to the organization.

A flier made by the organization shows that if an employee donates only $5 per pay period, that donation provides eight children with access to the Albert Lea Family Y’s School’s Out program, giving them a safe place to go during school holidays. Donating $30 per pay period sponsors one child in Freeborn County in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, providing one book a month from age birth through 5 years.

The United Way supports the following programs and agencies: Adult Basic Education, Cedar Valley Services, The Children’s Center, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Freeborn County Public Health, LIFE Center of Freeborn County, Parenting Resource Center, Salvation Army, SEMCAC Community Action, Senior Resources of Freeborn County, Albert Lea Family Y, Jack Frost Coat Drive, FamilyWize.

Haag said the theme for this year’s campaign is “United Through the Years,” looking back on the history of the organization over the years. She said she did some research about the United Way when she first started as executive director and found out many interesting things from history, such as how the Albert Lea air squad dropped mailers advertising the campaign in the 1940s.

“It’s been fun to see how much the UWFC has changed — and how much it hasn’t,” Haag said. “The core values of coming together as a community and supporting each other is still there.”

In addition to payroll deductions, people can donate at the United Way office at 314 S. Broadway, submit a check or donate online.

The campaign runs through Dec. 31.