United Way of 1000 Lakes will kick off its 12th annual Home for Good drive in November. This initiative gathers essential items, like bath towels, garbage bags, toilet paper, and laundry detergent, for local families facing financial hardship, specifically those identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). For families under significant financial strain, access to everyday necessities supports good health, builds self-esteem, and allows wages to stretch further—supporting their path toward upward mobility. 

Throughout November, caring community members can collect and donate items. Donations can be dropped off at designated sites across the community, including Coldwell Banker Northwoods, Compass North, Deerwood Bank, Essentia Health (Deer River and Grand Rapids), Itasca County Family YMCA, Kiesler Wellness Center, Klockow Brewing Company, Members Credit Union, Northern Star Co-Op, Northland Counseling, and St. Andrews Lutheran Church. 

According to a recent report, ALICE in Minnesota: A Study of Financial Hardship, 29% of Itasca County households (5,258) live paycheck to paycheck, spending most of their income on basic needs such as housing, food, and utilities. An additional 12% of households (2,095) fall below the Federal Poverty Level. By offering access to essential items, United Way aims to ease some of the burdens for households striving to make ends meet. 

“ALICE families and individuals are often one crisis away from falling behind,” said United Way Community Impact Coordinator Molly Hiipakka. “Providing health and hygiene items can mean families do not have to choose between putting gas in their car or filling prescription medications. Empowering families isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about igniting hope, fostering resilience, and creating pathways to a brighter future.”  

The Home for Good drive is part of United Way’s Safety Net impact pillar, dedicated to meeting basic and emerging needs and responding to crises. The program provides families with everyday personal and home essentials. Collected items are assembled into essential packs and distributed through nonprofits, schools, and homeless prevention programs.   

United Way’s other impact pillars include Ready Kids, Resilient Families; Healthy Minds and Bodies; and Family Financial Stability.     

Individuals and groups wishing to support the Home for Good drive can donate at uwlakes.org/#donate, for more details about the program, including links to shop Target and Amazon wish lists, volunteer opportunities, and more at uwlakes.org/home-for-good.  

Advocates, teachers, and other human service professionals can request adult, child, or family care packages by calling United Way at 218-999-7570 or emailing molly@uwlakes.org. 

Ways you can help  

• Host a Dropbox at your church, organization, civic group, or business to collect personal and household essentials, and then deliver them to United Way’s office at 350 NW 1st Ave., Suite A, Grand Rapids. 

• Shop directly from United Way’s Target or Amazon wish lists or make a donation.

• Pack a Personal Care Kit at Home by purchasing items and packing them in a cinch sack, laundry basket, or tote bag. To sign up and download the Home for Good Project Guide, visit uwlakes.org/home-for-good. 

Items Needed:   

• Cleaning supplies 
• Deodorant 
• Feminine hygiene products 
• First aid supplies 
• Floss 
• Garbage bags 
• Gas cards 
• Laundry detergent 
• Lip balm 
• Paper products (paper towels, tissues, toilet paper) 
• Razors/Shaving cream 
• Shampoo/Conditioner 
• Soap
• Sponges
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Wash cloths, hand & bath towels 

*Full-size new unopened items are only accepted.