United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has supported our area for years. From providing food resources for families, snacks & weekend eats for children, mentoring program for children in school, dental service resources for children, to scholarship opportunities. The tireless work of fundraising and finding volunteers, they are amazing to our and surrounding communities.
Navigating local food resources– The United way wants to make sure everyone in our communities have access to food. They want to raise awareness for people looking for places to stop and fill up on supplies for you and your family and also a resource so people to find locations to donate to. Click www.unitedwaynemn.org/food-help for help or place to donate near you.
- Local Food Shelves: Can accept food donations and/or monetary donations. Food Shelves can stretch donor dollars further than the average person at the grocery store.
- Little Free Pantries- Are stocked almost entirely by community members. Find a list of local pantries near you www.unitedwaynemn.org/food-help
- UWNEMN Donors- Can designate where they would like their gifts to go. Not sure how to donate tot he food program of your choice? Specify online or with your mailed in donation where you would like your funds invested, we will take care of the rest.
- Information Changes Quickly- If you see something that is outdated or notice a new opportunity/resource that has not yet been added to UWNEMN’s food help page, please contact katy@unitedwaynemn.org.
United Way Northeastern Minnesota Lunch Buddy Program-
UWNEMN recruited volunteers to become Lunch Buddy mentors for the 2025-2026 school year. The program aims to match first through fourth grade with screened, trained volunteer mentors to share one lunch break each week during the school year. The mentors will be matched with students in carious elementary schools across the region, including Cherry Elementary, Falls Elementary, Greenhaven Elementary, Merritt Elementary, North Star Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Vaughan- Steffensrud, and others. The program runs from mid October to through early May. We had several volunteers sign up, but we are looking for substitute lunch buddies as well. Please visit www.unitedwaynemn.org/lunch-buddies-substitute or call 218-215-2570.
United Way Northeastern Minnesota Youth United Contest-
UNNEMN is having their 3rd annual Youth United Scholarship Contest. This contest is for ALL high school seniors at your school regardless of GPA. Entries are judged on content of ideas and understanding of community before grammar and formatting. They will be asked to share their ideas to address community needs in writing for a chance to win scholarship funds. Win up to $10,000 in scholarships to be used for expenses related to four year college, two year college, or the trades. Minimum scholarship will be $1,000. Contest begins November first and is available to seniors attending the UWNEMN service area. Click here or go to United Way Northeastern Minnesota Website to see qualifying schools. Enter the contest!
United Way Northeastern Minnesota Children Dental Services Partner Spotlight-
Bucks for Backpacks Cash Raffle Drawing-
$100 tickets are on sale NOW for UWNEMN’s annual cash raffle to support its Buddy Backpacks program. Call or text 218-295-2424, email elizabeth@unitedwaynemn.org, or visit our office at 608 East Drive, Chisholm MN, 55719, to get your tickets while they last. THEN find out if you’re a big winner while enjoying free appetizers and…6:00PM – 8:00PM 5478 Mountain Iron Drive, Virginia, Minnesota 55792
Power of the Purse Decorating Committee-Volunteers Needed
Help us create a night to remember!
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s annual Power of the Purse is one of the most anticipated and talked-about events on the Iron Range, a sold out celebration of early literacy and community impact. Each year, guests walk into a completely transformed space with every event featuring a new and imaginative theme that takes the decor to the next level.
This year’s theme is Wicked! and we’re looking for a group of creative volunteers to help make it nothing short of magical.
We’re assembling a Power of the Purse Decorating Committee – a small group of creative, detail-oriented volunteers who can help bring this year’s spellbinding theme to life. Whether you’re a seasoned event decorator or someone with a flair for design and a love for teamwork, we’d love you to join the team to make sure this year’s event is one to remember!
Volunteers will:
- Meet regularly in the months leading up to the event to brainstorm, plan, and design this year’s Wicked themed decor.
- Help source and create decorations that will make guests feel like they’ve stepped right into the Emerald City.
- Dedicate the day before the event (Wednesday, January 28th) to decorate the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia.
- Work together to uphold Power of the Purse’s reputation as one of the best decorated and most memorable events in the region.
Ideal volunteers:
- Are creative, imaginative, and love a good theme
- Have decorating, design, or event-planning experience (or just a great eye for detail!)
- Can commit to regular planning meetings through the fall and early winter.
- Work well with a team – because even Glinda and Elphaba needed each other to make some magic happen!
Help us prove once again that ‘there’s no place like Power of the Purse!’ ✨
Join the Committee and help make this year’s Wicked event truly unforgettable. Click here or call 218-254-3329
