By guest blogger Angie Tanner

As the days of 2021 dwindle, it’s approaching the time when many of us are making New Year’s Resolutions. Here are a few common resolutions with a United Way spin you can make that will impact your community!

1. Budgeting: Join the Round-Up program! This app-based program will round up your credit or debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and donate those additional cents to the United Way of 1000 Lakes. This is an easy way to donate some cash to a good cause throughout the year – and think how awesome your bank statement will look with everything ending in 0!

2. Limiting Social Media: Set limits for the amount of time you spend on social media. However, sometimes social media can really help spread good news and heart-warming stories, so don’t forget to follow and share United Way’s social media accounts!  You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. Sharing a campaign or story could help us connect new individuals to programs or inspire new donors! You may also have a few heartstrings pulled as you read stories of individuals impacted by our partner programs.

3. Invest more time in the community: The area’s local volunteer portal, Bonfire, connects volunteers with opportunities in our community. Check it out here! You can even track your hours – so if you set a goal of volunteering 22 hours in 2022, you can ensure you’re meeting your goal!

4. Move More: How about marking your calendar for the Lumberjack Mile & 5K celebrating United Way’s campaign kick-off in early September? Start training now to achieve your personal best during the race, then reward yourself with a pancake breakfast!

5. More date nights: Set a date night out on the town once a month at a local restaurant, cafe, or brewery. As we get into October and November, make sure you visit one of our Dining United partners, who support United Way, while enjoying a meal, cocktail, or locally-brewed beer!