Special Initiatives

Community Outerwear Drive

The United Way of Mower County is collaborating with area businesses and organizations in coordinating a Community Outerwear Drive for kids. Our goal is to make sure everyone in warm and dry this winter.

It was through the generous donations of community members that we were able to help so many people. We are grateful to each and every person who donated winter items or made a financial contribution to help fund the initiative.

Remember to check your closets and donate those coats you rarely wear or your kids have outgrown. Minnesota winters can be tough. We can only imagine how brutal they are without a coat. Please make sure your donated items are clean, in good condition and suitable for Minnesota winter. We are in need of coats, hats, mittens, boots and snow pants in all kid sizes. Donated items can be dropped at United Way of Mower County anytime during the year. Financial contributions are also needed.

Sumner students say thanks for their new coats. In 2011 United Way of Mower County donated over 400 coats to individuals and families in need. Itw as through generous financial and coat donations by individuals and organizations.

Thank you to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Westminster Church, Kiwanis Early Risers Club and the Austin Police Department for their generous financial donations.  We thank the many individuals in Mower County who made donations, whether they were coats or financial contributions.

We would also like to thank Oak Park Mall for the use of a store and all their help during distribution; the YMCA, Accentra Credit Union, Home Federal Savings Bank, IMS, Pacelli Schools, Grand Meadow Schools and US Bank for being collection sites; Hormel Foods for having an internal coat drive; The Cedars and the women of Our Saviors Lutheran Church for donating hand knitted hats, scarves and mittens; the Welcome Center, SEMCAC, Parenting Resource Center and the Salvation Army for being in-take centers; Younkers and finally our volunteers who came and provided much needed help in sorting, displaying and distributing coats to kids.

Warm children throughout Mower County thank you!