WILLMAR -- Several Willmar-area charities are seeking help from the community to reach their goals of funding local programs and providing warm clothing to children this holiday season.
To date, the United Way of Kandiyohi County has received a total of $560,000 toward its $630,000 fundraising goal.
The organization is sending follow-up letters and making phone calls to raise the money to reach that goal, according to Stacey Roberts, executive director.
"If everyone who gave last year would give this year, we would meet our goal," Roberts said. "I am cautiously optimistic that we can still make our goal."
United Way's annual goal has increased every year since 1992, as the community and needs have grown, she noted.
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The United Way donations go to fund specific local programs that impact all ages from young children to senior citizens.
"The programs touch everyone," said Gina Mueller, United Way resource development and marketing coordinator.
"If the United Way isn't touching you personally, it's touching your family, your neighbors or your co-workers."
The United Way is accepting donations at the office at 322 Fourth St., through the mail to PO Box 895, by credit card online at www.unitedwaykc.org , or at drop boxes at Cash Wise and Cub Foods.
The local Salvation Army has raised $68,400 toward its goal of $109,500, according to Maj. Connie Bridge. The Red Kettle bell ringers will be at 10 locations in Willmar, Spicer and New London through Saturday.
Bridge is hoping the agency's mail campaign will come through and help meet the goal before the end of the year. The public has been wonderfully responsive in giving clothing and toys for the angel tree program, she noted.
"The angel tree toys are coming and coming and coming," she said. "We hardly have room for it all."
The clothing and toys will be distributed to children Thursday and Friday. Bridge is impressed with the warm response from the community from volunteer bell ringers to workers organizing donations.
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"I have marveled at the way this community responds to the Salvation Army," she said.
The 2006 Warm the Children campaign is at 75 percent of its $35,000 goal. The campaign raises fund to provide warm clothing for children in Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine and Swift counties and a number of area school districts.
To date, $26,100 has been donated from 458 individuals, families, businesses and organizations. The program is administered through the West Central Tribune, with the assistance of social service agencies and schools making referrals. Contact the Tribune to make a contribution to the campaign.
