United Way Programs
United Way programs are how we invest local dollars in our communities to address specific community centered issues. These programs make a difference in education, health or financial stability.
Backpack Attack
The Backpack Attack program provides hungry students a child-friendly bag of supplemental food through the participating school to take home over the weekend.
Community Impact Coalition
The coalition's strategic intent is to create long lasting impact in our community in the areas of health, education and financial stability by serving as a resource in identifying and meeting community needs, as well as being a resource to one another. Meetings take place once a month. These meetings are open to the public.
Coat Distribution
Our Coat Drive takes place each fall and is followed by a distribution event at our office. Douglas and Pope County families are able to pick out a coat and cold weather accessories for each member of their immediate family, free of charge.
Equipped to Work
Provides resources to individuals that allow them to secure employment. United Way partners with Rural Minnesota CEP to carry out this program.
SingleCare
SIngleCare is a prescription savings card made for everyone at the United Way office.
The Food Drop
Each month United Way hosts a free food distribution event in Douglas or Pope County. Anyone who faces food insecurity and registers in advance is welcome to utilize this program.
Upcoming Food Drop Date
Holiday Gift Program
Our Holiday Gift Program provides gifts to children ages 0-18 over the holiday season. Community members who wish to buy gifts are matched with registered families based on the number of children. All participants in the program remain confidential. Registration for both parties open mid-November.
Hope Haven
Provides shelter to those experiencing homelessness through local church partners and provides supportive services/connections to local nonprofits who can help. United Way partners with West Central Minnesota Communities Actions to carry out this program.
Poverty Simulation
A Poverty Simulation is an interactive experience where participants take on different roles that place them into typical scenarios that low-income families face. Roles are based off of real families. The goal of those participating in the simulation is to meet the needs of their family for one month.
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is a United Way program that engages the community in collecting donations of new school supplies and backpacks. Donations received are then sorted and packed into new backpacks that are distributed to registered Douglas & Pope County K-12 students.
Traveling Tree House
The Traveling Tree House is a mobile learning center that is staffed with licensed educators and provides free literacy based programming. The Tree House stops at several designated locations within Douglas County over the summer. Check out our summer of 2022 schedule below!
Day of Caring
The Day of Caring is a student day of service where Discovery Middle School students join with United Way and go out into the community to take on outdoor volunteer projects.
