Raise Your Hand 2025

Disaster Recovery Fund: A Commitment to Community Resiliency

On July 18, 2025, a severe storm caused significant flooding in Marshall. Almost immediately, our office began receiving calls from individuals and families in urgent need of assistance. As we assessed the situation, it became clear that no local disaster fund existed to support those directly affected.

In response, United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) launched the Disaster Recovery Fund—a vital resource created to provide financial relief to those impacted by unexpected disasters in our region.

Thanks to the generous pledge from Leading Edge Credit Union, the UWSWMN Board of Directors for releasing funds from our reserves, and donations from local community members, we were able to support 12 families in need. However, securing those funds took time, and we were not able to respond as quickly as we would have liked.

That’s why we’re asking for your help today. By contributing to the Disaster Recovery Fund now, you can help ensure we’re prepared to answer the next call for help—quickly and effectively. Your support will allow us to respond immediately with meaningful financial assistance when disaster strikes again.

But your impact doesn’t stop there.

Your gift supports a wide range of local programs that improve lives across Southwest Minnesota.

From early childhood literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to school readiness with Wild About Kindergarten kits, Stuff the Bus, and Student Emergency Funds, your support helps children and families thrive. It also fuels initiatives that promote youth opportunity, financial stability, and community health—ensuring every person has the tools and support they need to succeed.

Bonus: Donate during Give to the Max (Nov 1–20) for a chance to win 4 tickets to the December 20th Minnesota Wild game donated by the Schwan's Company!

Together, we can ensure no one faces a crisis alone—and every person has the chance to thrive. 

Make your gift today and be part of building a stronger, more resilient Southwest Minnesota.

💛 Will you help us reach our goal?

Together, we can strengthen our community’s resilience—before the next storm hits. 

United is the Way.