Week of caring - making a difference
Each year, United Way of Mower County's Day of Caring matches teams of community-minded volunteers with local non-profit agencies and community members in need of extra hands. Volunteers can make a real difference by tackling agency projects such as painting, planning activities for kids, collecting supplies, light maintenance, and many other opportunities.
However, this year is shaping up to be a little bit different. We would like to invite everyone to participate in this years Week of Caring, which will take place October 19th - 24th. Register below for one (or more!) activity on Get Connected.
Even when we can’t be together in person, we can still LIVE UNITED through volunteerism. Please practice safe social distancing, wear a mask and maintain a safe physical distance of 6 feet.
However, this year is shaping up to be a little bit different. We would like to invite everyone to participate in this years Week of Caring, which will take place October 19th - 24th. Register below for one (or more!) activity on Get Connected.
Even when we can’t be together in person, we can still LIVE UNITED through volunteerism. Please practice safe social distancing, wear a mask and maintain a safe physical distance of 6 feet.
Participate to Win
Thanks to the support of our partners, Week of Caring participants will be entered to win 1 of 12 local business gift cards based on the following:
Participating businesses include Dairy Queen, Bella Victoria, Kenny's Oak Grill, Perkins, and The Tendermaid. Click here to learn more.
Friday 10/16: Kickoff Event
Don’t forget your volunteer shirt! This step is optional, but we invite you to stop by the UWMC office (or parking lot if weather allows) to pick up a shirt and pledge to participate in Week of Caring.
Note: shirts are limited based on size availability; first come, first served.
Monday 10/19: Letters to Seniors
We know that COVID-19 will have a profound impact on older adults’ health and well-being, with social isolation being one of the most affected outcomes. In collaboration with Mower County Seniors, Week of Caring participants have the opportunity to make someone smile and brighten their day. Write a note to, or draw a picture for, a local senior who will receive your message through the senior meal program.
Letter Sharing:
Tuesday 10/20: Supply Drive – Salvation Army Food Shelf
Our partners at the Salvation Army have indicated the need for food support is tremendous this year. In the wake of COVID-19, unemployment rates are higher than those at the peak of the Great Depression. With this rise in unemployment, consistent access to nutritious food is elusive for many people. Based on that demand, we are hosting a food drive for the following unexpired nonperishable items:
Drop off: Drive up to the Salvation Army (409 1st Ave NE) between 8 AM – 3 PM and place items in labeled totes.
Wednesday 10/21: Thank a Front-line Worker
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in many people—people who have shown compassion, empathy and people who have offered a helping hand to others during this extraordinary time. Write a thank you note to a front line worker to show your support and appreciation or decide today to thank other important people in your life, just for being in your life. Just saying thank you to those in your community is a simple way to make a big difference. Click here for examples!
Thursday 10/22: Supply Drive – Parenting Resource Center Family Assistance Fund
The Parenting Resource Center’s Family Assistance Fund helps families that have exhausted other community resources meet abrupt and urgent needs. UWMC is teaming up with PRC to coordinate a supply drive for the following items (or click here to view the complete wish list):
Drop off: Stop by the PRC (105 1st St SE Door A) to leave items outside between 9 AM – 4 PM.
Friday 10/23: Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
A day for all ages, participate by showing as many acts of kindness as possible! A random act of kindness is a small display of thoughtfulness, empathy, or love aimed toward another person. Giving can be more fulfilling than receiving – we think you’ll agree! Share your good deeds and inspire others to show kindness by using the hashtag #UWMCWeekofCaring on social media. Click here for ideas!
Saturday 10/24: Community Park Cleanup
Enjoy a morning outside (weather permitting) and support Austin Park & Rec by helping clean around Mill Pond, Austin Public Library, and the YMCA. Supplies and snacks provided. Social distancing and masks required.
When: 9 – 11 AM
Where: Meet at City Pool parking lot (north side of Brick Furniture)
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for all activities is encouraged but only required for those attending the "Kickoff" event to pick up t-shirt, Saturday's Park Cleaning and entering to win a gift certificate.
Thanks to the support of our partners, Week of Caring participants will be entered to win 1 of 12 local business gift cards based on the following:
- 1 entry = register for a Week of Caring activity on Get Connected
- + 1 entry = pledge to participate in Week of Caring at the kickoff event on 10/16
- + 1 entry = post on social media using the hashtag #UWMCWeekofCaring
Participating businesses include Dairy Queen, Bella Victoria, Kenny's Oak Grill, Perkins, and The Tendermaid. Click here to learn more.
Friday 10/16: Kickoff Event
Don’t forget your volunteer shirt! This step is optional, but we invite you to stop by the UWMC office (or parking lot if weather allows) to pick up a shirt and pledge to participate in Week of Caring.
- When: Friday, October 16 from 9 to 3
- Where: 111 Main Street N (United Way office – follow the signs)
- Alternate Time: To make other arrangements for shirt pickup, please contact ksalasramirez@uwmower.org.
Note: shirts are limited based on size availability; first come, first served.
Monday 10/19: Letters to Seniors
We know that COVID-19 will have a profound impact on older adults’ health and well-being, with social isolation being one of the most affected outcomes. In collaboration with Mower County Seniors, Week of Caring participants have the opportunity to make someone smile and brighten their day. Write a note to, or draw a picture for, a local senior who will receive your message through the senior meal program.
Letter Sharing:
- Mail to 400 3rd Ave NE Austin, MN 55912
- Scan and email to Sara Schafer at saras@mcs-inc.org
Tuesday 10/20: Supply Drive – Salvation Army Food Shelf
Our partners at the Salvation Army have indicated the need for food support is tremendous this year. In the wake of COVID-19, unemployment rates are higher than those at the peak of the Great Depression. With this rise in unemployment, consistent access to nutritious food is elusive for many people. Based on that demand, we are hosting a food drive for the following unexpired nonperishable items:
- Cereal/oatmeal
- Pasta/rice
- Tuna
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Vegetables
Drop off: Drive up to the Salvation Army (409 1st Ave NE) between 8 AM – 3 PM and place items in labeled totes.
Wednesday 10/21: Thank a Front-line Worker
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in many people—people who have shown compassion, empathy and people who have offered a helping hand to others during this extraordinary time. Write a thank you note to a front line worker to show your support and appreciation or decide today to thank other important people in your life, just for being in your life. Just saying thank you to those in your community is a simple way to make a big difference. Click here for examples!
Thursday 10/22: Supply Drive – Parenting Resource Center Family Assistance Fund
The Parenting Resource Center’s Family Assistance Fund helps families that have exhausted other community resources meet abrupt and urgent needs. UWMC is teaming up with PRC to coordinate a supply drive for the following items (or click here to view the complete wish list):
- Baby wipes (biggest need)
- Diapers size 4, 5, and 6
- New underwear and socks for all ages
- Feminine products
Drop off: Stop by the PRC (105 1st St SE Door A) to leave items outside between 9 AM – 4 PM.
Friday 10/23: Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
A day for all ages, participate by showing as many acts of kindness as possible! A random act of kindness is a small display of thoughtfulness, empathy, or love aimed toward another person. Giving can be more fulfilling than receiving – we think you’ll agree! Share your good deeds and inspire others to show kindness by using the hashtag #UWMCWeekofCaring on social media. Click here for ideas!
Saturday 10/24: Community Park Cleanup
Enjoy a morning outside (weather permitting) and support Austin Park & Rec by helping clean around Mill Pond, Austin Public Library, and the YMCA. Supplies and snacks provided. Social distancing and masks required.
When: 9 – 11 AM
Where: Meet at City Pool parking lot (north side of Brick Furniture)
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for all activities is encouraged but only required for those attending the "Kickoff" event to pick up t-shirt, Saturday's Park Cleaning and entering to win a gift certificate.
thanks to our sponsors
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