HOPE

The other day, I was in the grocery store checking out when I heard an excited voice behind me say, "We only have one thing." I turned to see an adorable, bright-eyed, tousled-haired little boy. He excitedly smiled at me, showing one adult front tooth growing in, and said, "It's cake!"
He brought joy to my heart, and I asked him what kind of cake.  He replied, "A Black Panther cake." I said, "Oh, is it your birthday today?" His mother said, "No, it's tomorrow, but this is for him to share at school tomorrow." As I continued to scan my items, I asked him how old he was (7) and what his favorite part of school was (recess, of course) and wished him a happy birthday.  He was so overflowing with excitement and hope for tomorrow, it made me think of how lucky he is to be safe and secure with the ability to bring a special treat to his classroom the next day in celebration of his birthday.  Some are fortunate enough to have the resources to get a cake for all their classmates, and some are less lucky and hope for food on the table each night.
HOPE…  It is such a small word, but it can mean so much.  At the United Way of Southwest Minnesota, our focus is on creating hope in our community with our work and that of our partner agencies.  With your support, we can provide hope to those in need.  
Our annual campaign, themed "Raise your hand!" is currently underway.  What inspires you to get involved and raise your hand?  Is it your desire to help others, give back to the community, or create hope for the future?  The list of needs within our community is endless, including food insecurity, homelessness, early childhood education, and much more.
Even small actions can have a significant impact. Each one can make a significant difference. Help can be through a donation, volunteering your time, or inviting others to volunteer with you.  Your support can help us create positive change that affects everyone in our community.  

We encourage you to join us, get involved, and raise your hand to bring hope to our community, just like the young boy who was so excited to share his cake the next day.  Because change doesn't happen alone, with your help, there's HOPE.

Meg Louwagie
CEO
United Way of Southwest Minnesota

For more information on the work of the United Way of Southwest Minnesota please visit our website at UnitedWayswmn.org