Throughout the month of October, state employees will have the opportunity to give back to their local communities through the Minnesota Combined Charities Campaign. 

The Combined Charities Campaign is an annual campaign that allows employees of the State of Minnesota, which includes agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health, and colleges and universities like the Itasca Campus of Minnesota North College, to donate a portion of their paycheck to participating charities. Retirees of state agencies are also welcome to participate in charitable giving through the campaign. Years of successful campaigns have resulted in state employees giving millions to charitable organizations throughout Minnesota. 

Charitable organizations included in the campaign, including United Way of 1000 Lakes, undergo a yearly vetting process to ensure that they meet accountability guidelines. 

Gifts to United Way help families in the Northland build upward mobility, live healthy lives, and access educational opportunities. Each dollar supports numerous nonprofit programs that impact lives throughout the region, making it possible to support multiple organizations addressing a myriad of issues with one gift.

Minnesota state employees looking to make a difference through the Combined Charities Campaign can give through payroll deduction at the State of Minnesota Employee Self Services website or by visiting mn.gov/mmb/combined-charities.

To learn more about United Way of 1000 Lakes’ work, impact, and how you can make a difference, visit uwlakes.org or call 218-999-7570. Those wishing to give directly to United Way can do so by texting LAKES to 26989.