Al Castor Letter to the Editor

Happy New Year,

As valued supporters of United Way of Southwest Minnesota, it is essential to keep you informed about how your donations are being invested in local programs and services. Rest assured that we take our responsibility very seriously and are committed to providing transparency and accountability in all our endeavors. Your donations focus on improving lives in areas like financial stability, hunger, education, health, safety & well-being. Our Community Partners know that the United Way of Southwest Minnesota expects accountability, transparency, and efficiency from every supported program and are fully accountable to the United Way of Southwest Minnesota. They must be able to show a positive impact in the community and on the 35000 citizens of our service area with ripple effects that expand even further. Your consistent support is the backbone of United Way of Southwest Minnesota and has positively impacted our community. Please visit our website at www.unitedwayswmn.org for more information regarding our mission, Community Partners, and programs.

Barbara Murphy (former President of United Way Worldwide) stated: "With today's economic challenges, more people are struggling in our community than ever before. Local programs are being stretched to the limits to meet the needs. If you can give a little or a lot, this is your community to make your impact. Every donation, large or small, takes us one step closer to our goal - a community that is ready and able to meet the needs of its citizens. When you donate to United Way, your contribution benefits all the charities we help fund, not just one or two of them."

Barbara's statement is well stated. The 2023 Campaign is coming to an end. You have until January 31 to make a difference and know what it feels like to "Live United."
Thank you to all United Way of Southwest Minnesota supporters who give, advocate, and volunteer. We could not do it without all of you.
I look forward to working with all of you again in 2024!

Al Castor
Board Chair
United Way of Southwest Minnesota