We also recognized many individuals and companies for their giving and volunteerism in 2015. We are fortunate to have the support of hundreds of companies and thousands of individual donors and volunteers who help make Marathon County a better place for all of us. The complete list of those honored is also posted on our website.
On Febraury 11 (2-11) we will celebrate National 2-1-1 Day. United Way's 2-1-1 answered 11,265 calls from Marathon County residents in 2015. The most frequent requests for assistance were for tax preparation services, rent, food and utility payments. Other reasons to call 2-1-1 include needing a referral to counseling programs, or for help with an aging parent. In more than 90% of cases, 2-1-1 was able to make a referral to programs and assistance to help people meet their needs. In addition to help being available by phone 24/7, individuals can also search the online 
The 2015-2017 edition of the LIFE in Marathon County report was released at a forum on January 19. The report identifies four priorities: mental health, drug & alcohol abuse, income and a great start for kids. Keynote speaker, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, described how these issues are interconnected and what might be done locally to make progress. You can watch the 
Congratulations to Margaret Arthurs, an employee at Marathon Cheese, the lucky winner of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee. Margaret drew the lucky key during the giveaway at our Recognition Luncheon on January 15 and drove home in her grand prize. The $500 and $1000 gas cards were won by Julio Nunez from Kraft Foods and Christine Xiong from BMO Harris. The Sweepstake program is made possible by the generous sponsorships of Brickner Family Auto Group, Abby Bank, Mid-Wisconsin Beverage, QPS Employment Services, The Dirks Group and UMR. Check out more 
On January 27, staff from Eastbay presented a check for $40,954, to Community Impact Amanda Gallagher, Dave Eisenreich, Chair of the Marathon County Hunger Coaltion and Joanne Kelly, Executive Director, United Way. The check represents the entry fees paid by more than 1400 runners in the 6th annual Eastbay Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving morning. The funds will be used to purchase needed food for area pantries. In the past, Turkey Trot funds have purchased items that aren't often donated--meat, dairy and fresh produce, as well as high protein items like tuna and peanut butter. 
Thanks to all of the shoppers who brought more than 4,400 gifts to the gift wrap center at Wausau Center. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 417 wonderful volunteers donated more than 1000 
It's not unusual for many of us to begin feeling the symptoms of cabin fever by this time of the winter. United Way RSVP provides many options to help beat cabin fever and get you out and involved in the community. RSVP is a personalized volunteer connection for those 55+. They can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your unique talents, interests and skills. They also offer a wide variety of programs including Tech Tutoring, Retirement Well-being and opportunities to meet other retirees who are active in the community.