PROGRAMS
United Way programs are how we invest local dollars in our communities to address specific community centered issues.
Weekend Backpack Meals - Backpack Attack/Feeding Backpack
Our program provides bags of supplemental food for students over the weekend throughout the school year. Available in participating schools. Contact your child's school to enroll in the program.
Warm Winter Wear
Our Warm Winter Wear Drive takes place each fall and is followed by a distribution event at our office.
Work United
Work United is provided through a partnership between United Way and Rural Minnesota CEP. Programming connects individuals with the resources, support, and guidance they need to take the next step in their employment journey. Whether exploring new career paths, seeking skill-building opportunities, or navigating job transitions, Work United empowers individuals with tools and trusted connections to thrive in today’s workforce. Learn More
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 currently serves families in Douglas, Pope, and parts of Todd Counties and provides gifts to children ages 0-18 over the holiday season. Those wishing to receive gifts and those wishing to buy gifts can register with us after Thanksgiving to take part in this program. all participants remain anonymous.
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. Learn More
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is a United Way program that engages the community in collecting donations of new school supplies and backpacks. Registration opens online and by phone mid-July and closes mid-August. Donations received are then sorted and packed into new backpacks that are distributed K-12 students before the start of the school year. Learn More
Traveling Tree House
The United Way team members who staff the Traveling Tree House program are licensed educators who develop fun and engaging curriculum to provide free summer learning opportunities for local children. The Tree House stops at several designated locations across our service area during the summer months. Learn More: Traveling Tree House
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a free book gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five. Serving Otter Tail and Wadena Counties.
CREW
Crew is facilitated by a United Way team member who walks alongside families, helping them navigate non-academic challenges and connecting families with essential resources, from food and housing to transportation and more.
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.
RESOURCES
SingleCare
SingleCare is a prescription savings card for everyone! These can be picked up at the United Way office. Offering discounts for those with and without insurance better prices for prescription medications.
Work United
A United Way organized program offered through partnership with Rural MN CEP, this initiative provides vital resources to help community members gain and maintain employment.
