September 21, 2010 How I Live United - Larry & Dawn
Larry and Dawn Schiavo, parents and Marshall residents, LIVE UNITED by making sure that local children can be enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a literacy program sponsored in this area by United Way of Southwest Minnesota. Larry and Dawn decided to support this program because it combines their love for children and reading. They are concerned about the effects on children's lives when they are not prepared for kindergarten and can fall behind early on. "We love to see kids developing a passion for books and reading. Reading is fundamental."
Larry and Dawn also appreciate that the program encourages parent and child interaction and that the quality books promote good messages. "We love our community, and we think a donation to support Imagination Library is an investment in future generations and the quality of life in our area." Giving to United Way of Southwest Minnesota has shown them how their donation makes a positive impact on the local community which is what LIVING UNITED is all about.
September 21, 2010 How I Live United - Melinda
Melinda Schmidt, mother, North Star employee, and Wood Lake resident, LIVES UNITED by donating her time, money, skills, ideas and by serving on the United Way board. She was first inspired to help through her workplace (which became a United Way partner in 2004). "Hearing a variety of people talk about the positive effects that United Way of Southwest Minnesota has on the local community is when I realized that this organization is really making a difference. It made me want to be a part of it."
She began by donating through the payroll deduction option and helping with the work place campaign at North Star Mutual Insurance Company, and in 2007 she felt a calling to join the United Way board. "It's really helping the people we are surrounded by and I know the money is being well spent. I can go home at night and feel like I have made a difference." Her volunteering and experiences have shown her a "for the community, by the community" cycle of giving and receiving which is what LIVING UNITED is all about.
September 21, 2010 How I Live United - Sharon
Sharon Buysse, mother, Schwan's employee, and Marshall resident, LIVES UNITED by donating her time, money and skills to help youth achieve their potential. Sharon volunteers with a youth soccer program that crosses ethnic, financial and gender boundaries and is available to children from all backgrounds. She originally started volunteering because her kids were involved, but as she has seen how the program brings pride and a sense of purpose to children who normally wouldn't be able to participate because of a lack of financial resources, it has grown to be a passion of hers.
"One youth was so excited about the trophy he received from playing that he carried it around his neighborhood all night." She also is inspired by the children's families who come out in numbers to cheer them on. "They are just so proud of their child and you can tell that they are just so appreciative that their child is involved and getting encouragement from the other parents and their friends as well." Sharon's volunteering and advocating for the Marshall United Soccer Association has shown her how just a simple game can build relationships among friends, family, and the community which is what LIVE UNITED is all about.
September 21, 2010 How I Live United - Carl
Carl "Wink" Lundell, family man, retired farmer, and Granite Falls resident, LIVES UNITED by donating his time and positive attitude to those in need of a helping hand. After volunteering for a number of years as a driver for people who need a ride to an appointment or treatment, Carl has grown close to his regular passengers. He is particularly close to a diailysis patient whom he drove to early morning treatments three times a week during the winter. "I see her and her mother on the street and they always honk and wave, and I know they are thankful for the rides and I couldn't be more happy to do it."
As for why Carl volunteers, he says that it is just part of his Christian calling. "Why should I serve? Why not? We are so busy with so much stuff, we forget the important stuff. We have time to give! As I see it, it's better to drive a person to the hospital than spend just another hour on the computer." His volunteering with the Granite Falls Living at Home/Block Nursing Program has showed him how taking some time out of your own day can make all of the difference in someone else's day which is what LIVING UNITED is all about.
