Our Opinion: Support United Way’s campaign
Published 9:48 am Monday, December 1, 2014
The official Christmas season may only be a few days old, but Mower County has been in the giving spirit already for weeks.
On Nov. 20, the United Way of Mower County’s annual campaign got a big boost to its campaign season. It received $150,895.50 from the Hormel Foods Corp. plant, a record amount pledged by the plant workers.
Sheri Dankert laughs after being hit in the face with a pie of whipped cream Nov. 20 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems — Austin.
Herald file photo
On the same day, Mayo Clinic Health System employees in Austin took the opportunity to throw a whipped-cream pie in the face of one of her administrators after her department met their goal for the United Way Employee Campaign this year.
The United Way is working toward a campaign goal of $1.1 million for this year’s campaign. In 2013, the United Way surpassed $1 million for the third straight year by raising about $1.03 million.
Like every year, the money is important, but Executive Director Diane Baker recently said many organizations that receive funding support through the United Way have seen increased needs in recent months. She said programs at the Salvation Army, SEMCAC’s rent assistance, basic care programs and several other programs are seeing more need this year.
That means it’s more important than ever to support the United Way.
We commend Mayo and Hormel workers for their generous spirit again this year.
Last year, Hormel corporate and plant employees combined to make up $406,780 of the $1.03 million raised in the drive. That’s something to make Hormel and the community proud.
However, that doesn’t make donations from small businesses or individuals any less important.
We urge Mower County residents to support the United Way and all the programs it serves during this holiday season and its campaign drive.
