Did you know...
- 1 in 2 children in the Itasca area are food insecure.
- Over 5,800 of Itasca County citizens are living in poverty.
- Nearly 5,000 residents are one crisis away from falling into poverty.
Each year, families and individuals across our region face challenges and encounter barriers. We love our region, but the truth is, not everyone is thriving.
You have the power to change that. Together, let's rebuild and reimagine a brighter future.
With your support, we can address the disparities that exist and brighten the future of the Itasca area. Donate today, and your gift will be matched by Huber Engineered Woods dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.
MAKE OUR FUTURE BRIGHT
Join us in helping here.
When you give to Be the Light campaign, your join us in the pursuit of a community where everyone has what they need to thrive. Whether it’s immediate needs, such as food, shelter, and safety; or long-term support, such as childcare, education, and mental health outreach; United Way remains committed to investing in and supporting a strong safety net.
How your gift to United Way helps:
- $50 provides 200 meals to address food insecurity
- $100 provides ten hours of tutoring for a school-age child
- $260 transports a veteran to an out-of-town medical appointment
- $500 provides an early childhood scholarship for a low-income family
Double your impact and donate now. All gifts, up to $15,000, will be matched by Huber Engineered Woods until midnight on December 31, 2021, or until the match total is met.
Click the donate button or text LAKES to 26989; call 218-999-7570; or mail a check (dated no later than December 31, 2021) to United Way of 1000 Lakes at 350 NW 1st Ave., Suite A, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
Donations support more than 20 nonprofit programs that reach children, adults, and families across the region through United Way’s Helping Here campaign. To learn more about the challenge match from Huber Engineered Wood, read the full story on our blog.
Addressing the Needs
The generosity of individuals has always been critical to our work in the community, making it possible for us, alongside our partners, to meet the needs of people throughout the northland.
5,761
children and adults had their basic needs met, including food, shelter, and safety
Join Us in Helping Here
Tasha Klockow, Klockow Brewing Co. “The pandemic has created significant challenges for our family, friends, and neighbors. When you support United Way, you’re helping to address a broad range of issues like isolation, food insecurity, unemployment, mental illness, drug addiction, and domestic violence.”

Dr. Leanna McBride, Grand Dental Center “United Way provides funds to many nonprofit and initiatives in the area. Programs like the YMCA, Kiesler Wellness Center, and advocates for family peace – things our community needs that may not be able to operate without the United Way’s support.”

Peter Birkey, Community Member “United Way supports dozens of programs across the area. It touches school-age children, it touches the elderly, it is a great way to show you love and appreciate the area. These programs do great things for the community.”

Amanda Kluge, Minnesota Power “One of the strongest and most powerful components of our work is how we allocate resources. This committee is made up of community members who are dedicated to bettering the world around them. It is their voice and their decisions that create the allocations to the organizations that United Way funds.”

Steve Loney, Kiesler Wellness Center “Kiesler Wellness Center has been connected with United Way for a number of years. We go back to the beginning of when Kiesler Wellness Center was established. United Way has been supportive of our development programs that support people recovering from mental illness. United Way has been with us the whole way.”

Alie McInerney, Blandin Foundation “I’ve been a part of this community for almost 30 years, in that time I have seen all the amazing things United Way does to touch the community. When I had a chance to be part of this work, I stepped up to be a part of something that I think makes this community great.”