United Way’s annual campaign traditionally starts with a kick-off event, and this year marks the third annual Pancake Breakfast on the grounds of Old Central School in Grand Rapids. The celebration has expanded to include lots of Lumberjack fun for all ages, including some fun food-related competitions, too. 
  
Nearly a dozen teams are expected to register for the third annual pancake cook-off and relay races on Saturday, Sept. 12. There is no fee to participate and all ages and abilities are welcome. Get your friends and co-workers together and compete for one or both of the pancake titles.

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United Way of 1000 Lakes is holding its annual Personal Care Drive to collect essential toiletries and other small items to help disconnected youth, victims of violence, seniors and the homeless meet their basic needs, including hygiene items.
 
The drive is held in conjunction with United Way’s 3rd annual Day of Action on June 19 -- a day-long event where people throughout the area complete dozens of community service projects and activities at various locations. Projects are designed to match a wide variety of skill levels and interests. Tasks range from landscaping and outdoor beautification projects to interior painting and general clean-up. 

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On Friday, June 19th, approximately 150 volunteers will spend their day completing a variety of service projects as part of United Way of 1000 Lakes’ third annual Day of Action.

Held each June, United Way’s Day of Action is a massive, coordinated event where people throughout the area complete dozens of community service projects and activities in just one day. Volunteer projects are designed to match a wide variety of skill levels and interests. Projects range from landscaping and outdoor beautification projects to interior painting and general clean-up. 

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GRAND RAPIDS (April 15, 2015) – Itasca County has been awarded federal funds through the State Set-Aside process under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP). The program provides assistance for food, utilities and shelter to individuals and families in emergency situations who meet the federal eligibility guidelines.

United Way has been chosen to receive $7,519 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the county. Funding is based on poverty and average unemployment statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor for the most current 12-month period. In 2014, the county received $5,614 through the program, which was awarded to the Grace House and Advocates for Family Peace.

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GRAND RAPIDS (December 15, 2014) – The United Way of 1000 Lakes announces the beginning of its 2015-17 grant funding cycle. Every two years, the organization welcomes new and existing programs to apply for Community Investment Funding in the areas of education, financial stability, and health. 

“We work diligently to understand and measure the needs of our community and its people,” noted Kimberly Brink Smith United Way executive director. “Using locally raised dollars, United Way will invest in programs and initiatives that offer long-term solutions around community-wide issues and help to improve the lives of our residents by teaching, promoting and encouraging self sufficiency.” 

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 The United Way of 1000 Lakes Unleash Your Inner Hero Campaign is building momentum, hitting the halfway point of the 2014 goal.  Current...

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