United Way of 1000 Lakes recently joined KAXE’s Bright Spot segment to share how our programs are supporting families across the greater Itasca County area. Community Impact Coordinator Molly Hiipakka and Executive Director Kim Brink Smith sat down with host Jennifer Barr to talk about the many ways people can get involved and the initiatives helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households access the essentials they need to thrive.

KAXE highlighted that “there are no shortage of ways to help communities, and United Way of 1000 Lakes wants to facilitate that.” During the conversation, Kim and Molly discussed several of these efforts, including:

• Home for Good Drive (now through Dec. 12): Collecting household and personal hygiene items like laundry detergent, toothpaste, and cleaning supplies. As Molly shared, “With the rising costs of everything, it’s hard to keep those things stocked, and it’s just a welcome relief.”

• Volunteer Itasca: A community-wide volunteer portal connecting do-gooders with nonprofits in need. Current opportunities include Grace House, Great Tails Animal Rescue, KOOTASCA Community Action, and more.

• Dining United: Now through November 20th, community members can support ALICE families by dining at participating local restaurants, which donate a portion of proceeds to support United Way programs.

• Wheels to Work (pilot project): Helping working families keep their vehicles reliable and safe so they can get to work and maintain financial stability.

A major focus of the discussion centered on ALICE households—families who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford the basics. “About 40% of the population in Itasca County is considered ALICE,” Kim noted. This data plays a critical role in how United Way designs programs and directs funding.

Listen to the full interview on KAXE
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