As the calendar turns to 2026, we have scheduled our next digital device distribution event for Tuesday, February 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Menard Center located at 503 S Center Avenue in Merrill. This will be our fourth distribution hosted through our partnership with United Way of Wisconsin as part of the Techquity program.
In 2025, we were able to provide 43 eligible individuals in our area with a no-cost device through Techquity. One Merrill participant shared that the laptop they received through this program saved their education. They went on to say, “Without this program and its amazing employees I would have had to drop my classes. I appreciate this assistance more than anyone could ever imagine.” By providing a device, this program helps individuals overcome digital barriers and gain access to the tools they need for success in education, employment, healthcare and daily life. Once an individual receives a device, they are assigned a Digital Navigator to provide ongoing support to help them maximize their device usage.
To qualify for a device through the Techquity program, an individual must:
--Not already have a personal computer/laptop/tablet at home
-- Belong to a household with an income level at or below 200% FPL (priority) OR:
Belong to an underserved household (lacking internet service)
Belong to an under-connected household (limited access due to constraining factor like cost or provider options)
Belong to an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) household
Have a critical need for digital access that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency, related to work/education/health
To participate in the February 17th event, qualified individuals can register at https://www.unitedwaywi.org/event/Merrill-2-17-26 or you may call Merrill Area United Way at 715-536-2016. Techquity is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CPFFN0201 awarded to United Way of Wisconsin through $16,459,684.90 of funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of Wisconsin, acting by and through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
The United Way Board of Directors will hold its Annual Meeting on Monday, February 9th, immediately following its Board of Directors meeting, starting at 5 p.m. at Incredible Bank, 3210 E Main Street in Merrill in their lower-level meeting room. Business will include elections, recognitions, 2025 Annual Report and passing the 2026 budget and agency allocations.
Donations to Merrill Area United Way 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 or via the QR code below.
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.