Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are thankful for in our lives. One of the things that I am very thankful for is the giving nature of the Merrill community. This is the reason I chose to move here and have lived here for nearly 40 years. Individuals and businesses in this community are always willing to help and care for their neighbors in need. It’s also the reason I chose to apply for and accepted the role as the Executive Director for Merrill Area United Way in March.
During the holiday season, staff at our funded agencies and the hundreds of volunteers that participate in the work of these agencies are very busy bringing joy to others. From the “Christmas Spirit Appeal” and “Bluejay Nest” bringing Christmas gifts to children in need to the “Community Food Pantry” and “Food for Kids” providing food to area children and families. These agencies, along with others in our community, are always looking for more volunteers and/or donations. Consider ways that you can help others by volunteering during this holiday season. Opportunities include ringing bells with the Salvation Army; making a food donation to Food for Kids or Community Food Pantry or your church food pantry; picking up a holiday wish list from one of the giving trees throughout the community and more.
United Way Board Members and I want to thank the individuals, families, retirees, Foundations, employees through workplace campaigns, businesses and those who took part in the Nicolet Bank “Lunch in the Lot” and Breaman Merrill Ford “Drive 4 UR Community” fundraisers for United Way held in October. Due to your generosity, we have matched our 2024-25 campaign numbers with a few more pledges expected as we wrap up our annual campaign. Special thanks to Church Mutual Insurance Company and all their employees. Once again, your generosity was instrumental in helping us have a successful campaign. We are truly blessed as Merrill is a “Giving Community”.
Earlier this month, the United Way Allocation Teams met to review the 19 funding applications for 2026 we received by our October 16th deadline. Despite having a successful campaign, the needs and amount requested for 2026 funding exceed the donations available for 2026 allocations. During their meeting, the Allocation Teams had the difficult task of determining funding levels they would recommend, which included some reductions from the amount an applicant requested. These recommendations will go to the United Way Board for the final decisions next month. Board members and I are committed to being good stewards of the dollars donated to United Way to ensure they are being used to make the greatest difference in our community.
We remain hopeful that more donations may still come in so we can sustain as much support as possible to our funded agency partners in 2026. Donations are accepted year-round and all dollars stay local to help your neighbors, family and friends. To donate send checks to Merrill Area United Way, PO Box 813, Merrill, WI 54452 or donate via STRIPE at https://donate.stripe.com/aEU6pq6m4fU36ZO9AA .
Together we continue to connect people with the opportunities they need to reach this full potential and make the greater Merrill area a place where everyone can thrive. Because, United is the Way.
For more information or to explore ways you can support Merrill Area United Way follow us on Facebook, visit our website at merrillareaunitedway.org or contact Debbie Moellendorf, Executive Director via email director@merrillareaunitedway.org or phone 715-536-2016.