As the fall colors begin to appear and the new school year begins, so does the annual United Way campaign. We kicked off our campaign by participating in the Labor Day Parade which was followed by our cash raffle drawing at the Merrill Fairgrounds. Thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket in support of Merrill Area United Way. Congratulations to our raffle winners: Alexis Ollhoff (1st Place), Judith Bialecki (2nd Place), Jacqueline Brazeau (3rd Place), Incredible Bank donated back to United Way (4th Place), Allan Hopp (5th Place), Bev Ellis (6th Place), Dave Vachavake donated back to United Way (7th Place), and Randy Wixson (8th Place). We want to extend a thank you to Breaman Merrill Ford for providing a vehicle for the parade and the Eagle’s Club for space and the use of their raffle drum to conduct our drawing.
In early September, every household and business in the area should have received a flyer in the mail. This is our annual appeal to everyone in the county to consider a donation to United Way. Our flyer has a photo of our local Board, the Lincoln County Courthouse, and photos of the Community Food Pantry of Merrill. You will also find a list of the 19 local agencies supported by Merrill Area United Way.
Having an impact on someone’s life happens regularly with the dollars donated to United Way. By working with our partner agencies, we provide help with basic needs (shelter and avoiding eviction with rental assistance, food, utility payments to avoid shut offs), educating our youth (providing a mentor, a positive place to go after school), and health concerns (counseling for people struggling through alcohol and drug abuse, mental health needs). We also provide expert, caring help at no cost, 24/7 to connect people in need with resources and services in their community through 211. You can access 211 by calling 211, searching 211Wisconsin.org, chatting on 211Wisconsin.org or texting your zip code to 898211. Your financial gift to Merrill Area United Way supports all of this and more.
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. These donations come from individuals, families, retirees, employee campaigns and companies. In addition, we work with companies who conduct fundraisers for United Way. Watch for more information soon about a brat fry at Nicolet Bank on October 10th and Test Drive Event at Breaman Merrill Ford on October 11th.
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.
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.