Day of Action volunteers transformed Calumet during United Way of 1000 Lakes’ annual day of service, completing 28 community projects that strengthened neighborhoods, supported residents, and demonstrated the power of community partnership. For 13 years, Day of Action has brought people together to leave a lasting impact in communities across the Itasca area.

Each year, United Way partners with a different community to identify projects that address local needs while bringing together residents, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and local governments. Since its inception, Day of Action has served communities across the region, including Grand Rapids, Cohasset, Deer River, Coleraine, Marble, Bovey, and now Calumet.

This year’s event brought together nearly 150 volunteers, project leaders, and community partners who worked side by side to improve neighborhoods, support local homeowners, and invest in Calumet’s future.

“I am incredibly thankful for the amount of time, planning, and collaboration that went into making Day of Action a success,” said Calumet Mayor Mike Troop. “It was an unbelievable day. The number of volunteers who showed up and the projects they completed was truly astonishing. We are grateful that the City of Calumet was the beneficiary of such a well-organized community effort, and we thank everyone who helped make a lasting difference in our community.”

Donna Johnson of Calumet Reclamation Company welcomed volunteers and reflected on the importance of investing in both the community and the people who call it home.

“The Calumet community is something special, and we were honored to be part of its story through United Way’s Day of Action,” said Johnson. “The day showed the power of coming together to support and strengthen the community.”

Despite periods of rain throughout the day, volunteers embraced the changing conditions with enthusiasm, adapting projects as needed while keeping the day’s momentum strong. Teams spread throughout the community to complete 28 projects, including painting, landscaping, trail improvements, park enhancements, community beautification, and residential improvement projects. Eight of the projects focused on helping local homeowners with outdoor improvements and property maintenance—work that many residents were unable to complete on their own. For those homeowners, the day brought renewed pride, improved safety, and the reassurance that their community cares.

Midway through the day, everyone gathered for lunch and celebrated another milestone as United Way partner agency Itasca Habitat for Humanity broke ground for the Tahtinen/Hansen and Broussard families, marking the beginning of two near net-zero homes.

“A groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction—it marks the beginning of a family’s journey toward stability,” said Jamie Mjolsness, Executive Director of Itasca Habitat for Humanity. “By building these energy-efficient homes, we’re helping create a more sustainable and equitable future for Itasca County.”

By the end of the day, 26 businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, and community groups had come together in support of Calumet, investing more than 900 hours in strengthening the community—the equivalent of more than 22 full-time work weeks. Based on Independent Sector’s value of volunteer time, volunteer contributions alone represent an estimated $32,500 investment in the community.

“Day of Action reminds us that stronger communities are built together,” said Kimberly Smith, Executive Director of United Way of 1000 Lakes. “While each year’s projects are unique, the goal remains the same: bringing people together through service and shared purpose. Throughout the day, strangers became teammates as neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and volunteers worked side by side. Every helping hand strengthened the connections that help our communities thrive. That’s the lasting impact of Day of Action.”

Day of Action was made possible through the generous support of local businesses, including Silver Sponsors: Calumet Reclamation Company, Edward Jones, and North Country Construction & Property Services; and Bronze Sponsors: Minnesota Power and Paul Bunyan Communications. Beyond their financial contributions, each sponsor fielded volunteer teams, contributing 268 hours of service and demonstrating their commitment to building stronger communities.

United Way of 1000 Lakes also extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Calumet, Itasca Habitat for Humanity, CEDA, project leaders, residents, and every volunteer whose partnership, generosity, and dedication made this year’s Day of Action possible.

Day of Action by the Numbers

• 28 community projects completed
• 8 residential projects supporting local homeowners
• 138 volunteers
• 26 businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, and community groups represented
• 900 hours invested in the community
• $32,500 in estimated community impact

As United Way looks ahead to Day of Action 2027, community members, nonprofits, local governments, and businesses are encouraged to share project ideas that would strengthen their neighborhoods and communities. To learn more about Day of Action, volunteer opportunities, or to submit a project for consideration, contact Molly Hiipakka at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org.