For over 75 years, Merrill Area United Way along with our partner agencies have been strengthening our communities by providing financial support to local agencies that serve youth, individuals and families in need or in crisis. From advancing health, youth opportunity and financial security to strengthening local resilience, United Way is mobilizing our community to action so all can thrive.
Here are a few stories of how donations to Merrill Area United Way have made a difference in our community during 2025:
- A student from one of local elementary schools that is matched with a Big Sister from Pine Crest Nursing Home was having truancy issues and trying to stay home from school. When her mother reminded her if she didn’t go to school, she couldn’t get to see her Big at Pine Crest that day. She went to school, got to visit her Big and had a good day at school.
- An older woman who was homeless was in the transitional living area at the MAC Home. With the support of MAC Home staff, she was able to find permanent housing.
- A mother and her children came to the shelter at HAVEN. Staff assisted the family with applying for W-2 financial support and section 8. The mother was able to move into her own housing and secure a job. She was able to eliminate section 8 and has found an amazing and supportive partner. The mother now volunteers at HAVEN to give back helping other clients.
- A family of five (Mom, Dad and three children) reached out to Salvation Army after all five became ill. Both parents lost their jobs because of time being missed from work. With the help of Salvation Army, they were able to determine the cause of the illness. The well water the family was drinking was too high in iron. They were able to help with testing the water and purchasing safe water to drink. Additionally, the family was assisted with a grant application to replace their well. Currently 4 of the five family members are recovering quickly, unfortunately the mother is still not back to full health.
But we cannot have any impact without YOU, the people in our community that support Merrill United Way and the programs we support. Your generous donations make the difference. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to this year’s campaign. Donations have come from individuals, families, retirees, Foundations, employees through workplace campaigns, companies and from those participating in fundraisers for United Way such as the Lunch in the Lot at Nicolet Bank and/or the Ford Drive 4 UR Community Test Drive Event at Breaman Merrill Ford held earlier this month.
The United Way campaign runs through early November. We remain hopeful that more donations will come in so we can sustain the same level or increase our funding for our partner agencies this year. All donated 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 can 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.