Lynn Marcks of the nIc Foundation is very grateful for grants from United Way of Shawano County that support the character camps her organization holds each summer.
“Without the United Way of Shawano County, we wouldn’t be able to provide the wide spectrum that we do,” Marcks said.
The anti-bullying group uses the money to purchase materials for kids from kindergarten through fifth grade at the camp.
It’s just one of many organizations helped by United Way of Shawano County.
Karen Kerber, United Way treasurer, has stayed with the program for 20 years because she sees how it helps others.
“It truly is a passion to give back to the community,” she said. “I’ve used some of the services at some time in my life.”
United Way grants go toward counseling and domestic relations, youth development, health/education and advocacy, emergency assistance and rehabilitation.
Other United Way agencies are Safe Haven, Lutheran Counseling and Family Services, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, Wolf River School to Work, Shawano Literacy Council, Kids Klub, Bridge the Gap Inc., Navarino Nature Center, Special Olympics, Birnamwood Community Cupboard, Shawano Area Food Pantry, American Red Cross, Shawano Area Food Center, Red River Riders, N.E.W. Curative Workshop and Alzheimer’s Association.
Other organizations are welcome to fill out an application and apply for funds.
“It’s very important for them to be there for the people who need their services,” Kerber said. “I don’t think that we’re visible enough in the community currently.”
Behind the scenes, the members of United Way are always working to raise funds, which mainly come from contributors’ payroll deductions.
“We really appreciate when employers allow us to talk to groups,” she said.
The members take turns doing presentations to employees. Whenever possible someone who has received services from a United Way organization tells how it has helped them or their family members.
A small weekly donation can provide services for things such as a riding helmet and a six-week riding lesson at Red River Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding.
United Way also receives corporate donations.
The yearly campaign kickoff in August features night golf, which is open to the public.
Through volunteers’ efforts, United Way raises about $70,000 a year. Last year the organization gave out $60,000. A committee reviews the requests to determine how much United Way can give each organization.
“We meet and allocate out as much as we can,” Kerber said. “It’s important for United Way to continue to raise money to meet these needs.”
United Way is looking for new volunteers and board members — anyone who has the desire to help the community. United Way committees include agency relations, community relations/marketing, finance, fund distribution and strategic planning.
The name of United Way was adopted in 1963. United Way of America is based in Alexandria, Va., where the nonprofit organization works with more than 1,200 offices throughout the country.
Other United Way of Shawano officers are Ronald Scanlan, president, Chuck Dallas, vice president, and Diane Patza, secretary. The board meets at 7 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Kerber & Rose, 115 E. Fifth St., Shawano. Linda Olson is the executive director.
For information, call 715-526-9400.
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