Battle of the Beards
WILLMAR — The United Way of West Central Minnesota “Battle of the Beards” contest will run the month of November to raise money for local cancer patients. Four barbershops — Pep’s Barber Shop and Salon of Willmar, Larry’s Barber and Style of Litchfield, Mac’s Barber Shop of Olivia, and Hair Hut of Benson — will place participants in categories and compete to raise the most in donations. Donations will be accepted both in-person and online, and 50% of each team’s funds will go to local cancer support programs. For more information or if interested in participating, contact Andrea, special events coordinator at the United Way of West Central Minnesota, at 320-403-2448 or online at liveunitedwcm.org/beards .
Willmar Area Community Foundation
WILLMAR — The Willmar Area Community Foundation has opened its annual grant round to fund programs that focus on three different areas this year: addressing the opportunity gap for youth, increasing community connections and welcoming diverse populations, and supporting productive aging.
Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, school or government entity which serves residents of Kandiyohi County. For additional information and the online application, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants and select “WACF General Grants.” The deadline is Jan. 15.
This past year, the Willmar Area Community Foundation invested $128,000 through the Community Impact Grant Round. This included the investment to the MNYou Junior Master Gardener Program in providing children with culturally relevant learning experiences; supporting Project Turnabout in the construction of their outpatient and women’s center in Willmar; and Ridgewater College’s pilot multilingual community journalism program.
Habitat for Humanity
WILLMAR — Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota ReStore accepts donations of building materials, large appliances, furniture and more. All donations must be approved by staff before acceptance. Donations can be brought to 2424 First Street South in Willmar between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 320-235-9000 or see www.habitatwcm.org .
