Organizations that work with volunteers in and around Itasca County come together quarterly to build capacity and bolster the region's volunteer force.

Each year, United Ways across the country participate in a national day of service called Day of Action. It’s the perfect opportunity to roll up your sleeves and let your actions speak louder than words. It’s the perfect way to show, by example, what it means to LIVE UNITED.

Each year, hundreds of students return to school without essential school supplies to succeed in the classroom. Through United Way's Stuff the Bus initiative, you can help address educational disparities that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified to ensure students go back to school with the essential supplies ready to learn.

The Itascamazing Race is a Grand Rapids area-wide scavenger hunt consisting of teams of 2-8. Teams will be given a series of clues and challenges to complete in a 3 hour time period. Each challenge will be worth different point values, and some will include bonus points, so teams will need to use their creativity and knowledge of the area to race your way to first!

The Lumberjack Mile & 5K for United Way, is a fun-run held along the Mississippi River in the heart of Grand Rapids' business district. A highly anticipated annual themed charity run, the event takes place during Grand Rapids Riverfest, featuring live music, food vendors, craft beer, and more.

Throughout October and November, visit one of the participating Dining United restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and a portion of your order will be donated to United Way. Get your family, friends, or coworkers together for a good time and an even better cause! The more you eat, the more they donate.

United Way is initiating a ‘chain of kindness’ as part of the Minnesota United Acts of Kindness Week, which runs during the third week of November. The statewide initiative, spearheaded by United Ways of Minnesota, was first introduced in 2017.

Each year, United Way of 1000 Lakes hosts a Health and Hygiene Drive to collect diapers, household necessities, and essential toiletries to help local families meet their personal care needs.

Hosted by Small Business 365 Circle, Frozen Fairways is an annual ice golf tournament drawing four-person teams in costume to play the 18-hole golf course on Forest Lake. It's not a serious game of golf. Quite the opposite; the tournament is played with tennis balls, and players use an object of their choosing in place of clubs.

Open to all ages, United Way’s Shamrock’n Brunch is an Irish-inspired event that includes brunch, beverages, live music, lucky raffles, and split-the-pot drawings. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., enjoy Rapids Brewing Co.'s Irish-inspired buffet, live music by father and son duo Jason & Blake Waldron, lucky raffles, and a grand prize drawing.

The Flavors of Our Community drive is a food initiative of United Way of 1000 Lakes. The drive aims to focus on increasing access to culturally specific food items. Items are assembled into pantry packs and distributed to families through area schools and local community organizations.

Each year, United Way hosts a Community Celebration and awards ceremony. Including a social networking hour, live music, and a keynote speaker series, the annual celebration is our way of thanking everyone who makes our work possible.