United Way of Marathon County

January 07, 2019

You Make a Difference

During the recent holiday season, more than 300 volunteers stepped up to staff the Bundles of Joy Gift Wrap booth at Wausau Center Mall. They wrapped almost 1,500 packages during that time and donations to Bundles of Joy surpassed $3,600. The proceeds from the gift wrap booth will be used to purchase emergency diapers and formula for families in crisis in our community. 

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, brought gifts to be wrapped and donated to this valuable program. A special thank you to the Bundles of Joy gift wrap sponsors who support the project with financial assistance and in-kind donations: 3M, Footlocker.com/Eastbay, Peoples State Bank, UMR, Wausau Center Mall and WPS Foundation. 

Register NOW for Recognition Luncheon

The annual United Way Recognition Luncheon will be January 23, 2019, at the Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center. Registration will start at 11:00 a.m., with the program beginning at 11:35. We will be recognizing our most dedicated volunteers and advocates and celebrating campaign successes throughout the community. Please join United Way and our event sponsor, Associated Bank, for a fun-filled event, capped off with the grand finale of our 2108 Sweepstakes. Someone is going home with a new car!

Early Bird tickets are $18 or $135 for a table of 8, until January 11 at 5:00 p.m. After that time, ticket prices increase to $25 or $175 for a table of 8. Gather your team and make plans now to attend. Click here to register.

Non-Profit Board Training Workshop Coming Soon

Have you ever considered volunteering to serve on a non-profit board? Do you currently serve on a board and want to sharpen your skills? If you answered YES to either of those questions, the 2019 Non-Profit Board Training Workshop is for you. This three-part series will give you the tools and skills you need to be the best board member possible. You'll learn from experienced professionals in a relaxed, discussion-driven format. Get the details and register today!

Reading Buddies Looking to Expand

The Reading Buddies program is looking to expand to Edgar Elementary School and needs your help. The school has expressed an interest in hosting this program to help support students who are struggling to learn to read, but volunteers from the community are needed. If you, or someone you know, is interested in spending a few hours a week reading with a child, please contact Krista for more information. 

Turkey Trot Sets New Record

The 9th annual Eastbay Turkey Trot raised a record-breaking $58,000 for the Marathon County Hunger Coalition, besting last year's record by more than $6,000. More than 1,800 runners participated in the annual Thanksgiving Day race. The funds will be used by the Hunger Coalition for bulk purchases of food during 2019. While most food donations are made directly to pantries around the holidays, food insecurity is a year-round problem for many in the community. The Hunger Coalition leverages monetary donations, like the proceeds from the Turkey Trot, to make large bulk purchases of items that aren't routinely donated throughout the year. Purchases also focus on food that is nutritionally rich and healthy.

Thank you to everyone who ran, volunteered, sponsored or in any way supported the Eastbay Turkey Trot!

Free Tax Prep Available

Preparing and filing your income taxes is a chore for most of us. But, help is available. If you are low to moderate income taxpayer, free tax assistance may be available to help you. United Way's 2-1-1 has prepared a flier listing the free tax preparation services available in the community, along with phone numbers for the Taxpayer Assistance Center (for federal tax assistance) and the Customer Service Line (for Wisconsin tax questions). Don't wait until April 15! Get started today!

New RETIRE UNITED Group

Just because you're retired or getting ready to retire doesn't mean you can't make a difference. Retire United, a new group at United Way of Marathon County provides easy ways for you to continue giving, find meaningful volunteer activities and join social events. Don't miss the launch event on February 5, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event is free, but registration is requested.

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