2005

Super Valu Gives Needy Families a Merry Christmas

By Randy Hanson, Rivertown News

John Coughlin and Duana Bremer had no idea of the windfall St. Croix County food shelves were about to receive when Jim Dahl, an executive with Super Valu, said the company had rounded up some groceries to give to needy families.

Coughlin, executive director of the United Way of St. Croix County, had talked to Dahl about having found someone with a pickup truck to drive to the company’s warehouse and get the groceries.

The next morning, Dahl called Coughlin back to report that a 53-foot-long semi trailer would be delivering 40,000 pounds of groceries to Somerset on Saturday morning, Dec. 17.

“He about drove off the road with enthusiasm,” recalled Dahl, Super Valu’s director of leadership development and organizational effectiveness.

When the groceries arrived, Coughlin phoned Dahl again and exclaimed, “Do you realize how many groceries a semi truck can hold?”

“It was pretty overwhelming when that big truck pulled in. It was like, oh, my gosh,” said Duana Bremer, director of Grace Place homeless shelter in Somerset and the Salvation Army’s representative in St. Croix County.

“I’m just overwhelmed. It’s just overwhelming,” Bremer repeated.

Bremer and her husband, Tom, helped Coughlin and Paul Wenzel unload the groceries at St. Croix Machine Tool Inc. in Somerset. Wenzel, the owner of St. Croix Machine Tool, agreed to warehouse the groceries until they could be distributed to the county’s food shelves.

Bremer’s and Coughlin’s joy was all the greater because of the earlier uncertainty, when they were struggling to fill food baskets for 160 families invited to participate in an annual Christmas party at St. Anne’s School in Somerset.

Being short of items, Bremer had e-mailed a wish list to Coughlin, who passed it on the United Way’s board, of which Dahl is a member.

Dahl circulated the list to Super Valu officials and Lindsay Morgan, a worker in the buying department, began locating goods in discontinued packages and sizes to donate.

“It all kind of snowballed from there” to Morgan having filled a semi trailer, Dahl said.

“She is the one that deserves all the credit,” he said of Morgan. “She worked very hard at the end of last week, and in fact worked on Saturday morning to get the truck there.”

Dahl said Super Valu has a tradition of helping communities in need.

“It kind of makes everybody’s Christmas to be a part of this,” he said. “I can tell you I was very proud of my company … I work inside corporate America and this is one of the things that corporate America – at least Super Valu – is able to do on a regular basis.”

Said Bremer, “This is a huge donation.”

It was especially helpful, she said, because it contained household and personal care items like laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toothpaste and diapers that low-income families can’t buy with food stamps.

Coughlin said the food left over after filling the Christmas party gift boxes will be distributed to the county’s seven food shelves – and possibly to Pierce County food shelves as well.

Area United Ways May Merge
Friday, December 23, 2005
By Judy Wiff, Regional Editor

Before the next campaign rolls around, nearly all of Pierce and St. Croix counties may be served by a single United Way.

The boards of directors of United Way of St. Croix County and United Way of River Falls recently passed resolutions authorizing a review of the benefits of a merger.

Program leaders believe a single campaign would be more efficient and might lead to greater giving.

“It’s getting harder and harder to keep an active volunteer base,” said John Coughlin, executive director of the United Way of St. Croix County. He worked part-time for the New Richmond United Way when it merged with the Hudson United Way in 1999.

A merged organization would be more efficient, said Brad Caskey, a professor and associate dean at UW-River Falls. Caskey has been a volunteer with the United Way of River Falls for six years and president of its board of director for four years.

He said he has talked with other groups that have merged: “They’re simply more efficient at generating income.”

Caskey said agencies with paid staff are better able to reach out to potential donors.

“The new organization would be run by a person in a full-time United Way position who has administrative assistance,” said Caskey. “Our all-volunteer staff has run effective campaigns, but demands on time have begun to be overwhelming.”

“The merger that formed a countywide organization in St. Croix County resulted in a doubling of funding to agencies in just four years, and we expect similar results from a Pierce/ St. Croix pairing,” said Coughlin.

“We also believe that a merged United Way would be more effective in focusing energies on larger needs that cross city and county boundaries,” said Caskey. “For example, there is a great need for temporary housing across our region, and we believe that a United Way with a larger scope would be more effective in addressing these needs.”

Coughlin said United Way campaigns are requiring more and more paperwork and the national organization has a new set of membership standards.

“For example,” said Caskey, “the rules for participation in United Way, especially those involving generation of financial documents, have increased significantly and have created some concerns about liability issues.”

Also, said Coughlin, the St. Croix group has accounting and donor management software that the River Falls organization doesn’t have.

Two-thirds of the charities funded by the two United Ways are the same, added Caskey. He said a merger would reduce paperwork for the charities, since they would submit just one application.

Coughlin said two merger committees have been formed: One to look at finance and operations and another to study development and marketing.

The two United Ways expect to make a merger decision by early summer to be ready to run a combined campaign next fall.

The St. Croix United Way currently has a 17-member board of directors and the River Falls agency has a six-member board. The two boards would be merged and would have members representing all parts of the new service area.

Content © 2006 The River Falls Journal

November 18, 2005 

United Way's Success By 6tm Development Committee Completes Work

The twenty-person Success By 6tm Development Committee celebrated the completion of ten months of work at a luncheon at the Hudson Golf Club. The committee was charged with developing the vision, priority issues, desired outcomes and an action plan for an on-going Success By 6tm initiative. Mary Sue Ash, facilitator for the process, will present the committee's recommendations to the United Way of St. Croix County Board of Directors in January.

The vision for the local Success By 6tm (SB6) effort is: All children in St. Croix County with the strong support of family and community will, by age six, have the necessary physical, mental, emotional and social development to successfully grow and learn. Two priority issues were also identified by the group: 1) Communities will understand the importance of the early childhood years and work to strengthen programs and services; 2) Parents and caregivers will have the knowledge and training to provide children with safe, stable and supportive environments.

United Way Executive Director, John Coughlin led the group through a discussion of the resolutions that will go to the United Way Board. The SB6 Development Committee recommended that United Way roll out new programs and broaden agency partnerships -more- over a six year period that basically follows the stages of a child's development from prenatal to school-aged. The group also recommended that ongoing guidance for the initiative be provided by a Success By 6tm Leadership Committee whose membership will include representatives from United Way, business, government, education and non-profit sectors. The work of developing and implementing particular facets of the initiative will be done by Success By 6tm Work Teams. The teams will be comprised of members with expertise or interest in a particular aspect of SB6 under development.

The group commended United Way of St. Croix County for its commitment to strengthening programs and services for young children. Members encouraged United Way to devote as much time and financial resources as possible in order to raise community awareness of the importance of early childhood programs and to engage a broad cross-section of partners in this effort. Coughlin expressed his gratitude to the committee and requested their continued support for Success By 6tm during its implementation in the coming years. Mary Sue Ash was thanked for skillfully guiding the committee's work.

Donning coats and gloves, committee members went outside to set children's balloons aloft to symbolize their hope that all children will rise to incredible heights because of the community's commitment to help every child succeed.

Anyone interested in supporting Success By 6 or participating in a Work Team is encouraged to call United Way at 715-377-0203. -30- Photo Caption: Members of the Success By 6tm Development Committee launched balloons to celebrate. Committee members were: Mary Sue Ash, United Way; Jerry Bauer, 3M Company; Gretchen Bell, Youth and Families Initiative, New Richmond; Kelly Bengtson, Nuclear Management Company, Hudson; Debbie Brennan, Parents as Partners, New Richmond; John Coughlin, United Way; Sue Curtis, New Richmond School District; Mary Donatelle, Head Start, New Richmond; Patty Draxler, Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, Baldwin; Vivian Hart, United Way; Rusty Helland, Baldwin-Woodville School District; Wendy Kramer, St. Croix County Public Health; Jim Landes, Somerset School District (Retired); Mary Lestrud, UW-Extension, Baldwin; Dottie Lillo, Child Care Partnership Resource and Referral, Eau Claire; Sharon Metcalf, Turningpoint, River Falls; Jean Needham (Char Mayry, alternate) Holy Family Hospital, New Richmond; Betty Jean Smith, Baldwin-Woodville School District; Nancy Sweet, Hudson School District and Jim Vigars, S&C Banco, New Richmond.

United Way has reached 70% of its $1 million goal!

With approximately $740,000 pledged or donated so far, we've reached more than 70 % of our $1 million campaign goal. The official kickoff of the business and residential campaigns was in mid-September with many of them winding down in late November. However, it's still not too late to contribute to our $1 million goal.

This year, some organizations have shown significant increases in their giving to United Way: Andersen Corp., County Market, WITC, Hudson School District and S & C Bank New Richmond. Other companies and institutions have done special fund-raising just to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. New Richmond Clinic employees raised $5,000 above and beyond their record-high campaign donations and and a special committee at Nor-lake involved in community activities donated $1,200 to Katrina efforts.

A portion of the donations to United Way specifically designated to Hurricane Katrina Relief was sent to Hope Haven in Hancock County Mississippi, a shelter for neglected and abused children. Unfortunately, Hancock County suffered the most damage on the Coast with over 85% of all of its buildings either all or partially destroyed. Hope Haven lost its shelter complex, but is working hard, with the help of volunteers to restore it.

When you give to United Way of St. Croix County you not only provide relief to victims of disasters, you improve the lives of those right here in our community-a homeless family seeking shelter from the elements, an older adult looking for a place to socialize or young children in need of support to successfully grow and learn.

It's not too late to help us reach our $1 million goal.

Our New Video: Investing Together in What Matters

We are pleased to offer our new, locally produced campaign video on this web-site. It focuses on the United Ways of the St. Croix Valley and our partners that provide safe shelter for all and programs to help children grow up strong and healthy. Feel free to contact us with your feedback about this four-minute production.  For fast connections and higher quality viewing use the Broadband link.  A dialup link with lower quality is provided for slower connections.

Requires Microsoft Media Player (download link) 

 September 23, 2005 

United Way Kicks Off Local Campaign

United Way of St. Croix County kicked off its annual local fundraising campaign with a presentation on Monday, September 19 at the Rotary Club meeting in New Richmond. Patty Draxler, Executive Director of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, was a featured speaker. Draxler emphasized her organization's collaboration with United Way on a community-based, early childhood development initiative, Success By 6.

Other kick-off events included: a Campaign Workplace Coordinators' Orientation and Lunch on September 13 which highlighted another United Way partner, St. Croix County Department on Aging; and the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight on September 21.

Governor Doyle recently designated the months of September and October 2005 as United Way months in Wisconsin in recognition of the start of fall campaigns by United Ways throughout the state. The proclamation emphasizes the role of United Ways in Wisconsin as the primary private providers of funds to measurably improve lives and build stronger, healthier communities. Doyle is urging Wisconsin citizens to contribute generously. United Way of St. Croix County addresses human care needs by investing donors' contributions in local programs and services; one in four local people are helped.

"Whether it's tackling homelessness, providing services for older adults or helping young children succeed in school, United Way collaborates with scores of community partners to identify and address critical issues," said UWSCC Board President, David Trebesch. "Together as partners and donors, we can create a lasting impact in our community and help

-more- shape the future of St. Croix County."

To meet the increasing needs of a rapidly growing population, United Way of St. Croix County has announced a campaign fundraising goal of $1 million. "In order for us to reach this goal and make a significant impact on people's lives, we need continued and even increased support from donors," stated UWSCC Executive Director John Coughlin. "This community can be proud of its past support of United Way's efforts to create meaningful and tangible impact throughout St. Croix County."

Last year's fundraising campaign helped provide much-needed medications for terminally ill patients of Heartland Hospice, helped fund emergency assistance for low income families and enabled victims of domestic and sexual violence to be helped by Turningpoint. Support was provided to Headstart, YMCA, American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters and other programs that encourage child and youth development. Senior citizens center activities, Meals on Wheels, aging and handicapped transportation and large print books assist older adults and special populations. Vivian hart, UWSCC Development and Marketing Manager noted: "When you support United Way, you ensure a stronger healthier community. Rest assured, your investment is utilized in the most effective way possible."

Assisting with this year's local effort are Campaign Co-chairs Bill and Muriel Hawley of Baldwin, Bill and Lisa Leahy of News Richmond and Jerry and Deane Bauer of Hudson. "United Way of St. Croix County is honored to have the support of these community leaders as we work together to build a stronger community," said John Coughlin.

The official timeframe for this year's annual fundraising campaign is September 19 to November 18. United Way works throughout the year on community priorities. For additional details about the campaign, to make a contribution or start a campaign in your workplace, contact United Way of St. Croix County at 715-377-0203 or www.unitedwaystcroix.org.

United Way coordinates aid to three Mississippi counties
 By Jeff Holmquist, Managing Editor, New Richmond News

The United Way of St. Croix County has "adopted" the Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

According to John Coughlin, executive director of the United Way of St. Croix County, the local non-profit organization decided to focus its relief efforts on one specific disaster area to maximize the impact.

"We'll be able to see where our money and supplies are going," he said.

The effort will assist residents in three of the hardest hit counties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The local aid will be funneled through the United Way of South Mississippi organization in Gulfport.

"The need on the coast is enormous so we decided to focus in on a specific geographic area so we can have direct contact and get them what they need most," Coughlin said. "Gulfport and Biloxi really took a beating. Our goal is to help these communities with both short- and long-term recovery."

Volunteers from United Way, the Rotary Club of New Richmond and area schools and businesses will be gathering donations at the County Market in New Richmond this coming weekend. A truck donated by Express Lube and Rental will be parked in the County Market lot. Donations will be transferred to a local warehouse for sorting and packaging prior to the trip south.

Donations will be gathered from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.

Cash donations and specific supplies will be accepted. One hundred percent of cash donations will be forwarded directly to help families rebuild their lives, Coughlin said.

One or more trucks will take donations to Mississippi leaving on Sept. 20. The United Way will take supplies gathered in other communities and is encouraging anyone involved in a relief effort to call 715-377-0203 if they need assistance trucking items to the affected area. The shipment is expected to reach Gulfport on Sept. 22. Among the specific items needed for the drive are new men's, women's and children's underwear, t-shirts, socks, sweat shirts and sweat pants. No used or other clothing will be collected. Food and water donations are also not the focus of this effort since other relief agencies are already providing those items.

Disposable diapers and pull-ups, infant wipes and diaper rash cream are among the infant items being requested. Household items requested include bleach, duct tape, tarps, flashlights and batteries, garbage bags, gloves (latex and work), matches, paper towels, paper plates, plastic tableware, toilet paper and facial tissue.

First aid items needed include adhesive bandages, aspirin, ibuprofen, antiseptic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Toiletry needs are waterless hand sanitizers, handi-wipes, disposable razors and shaving cream, soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene items.

Kids items requested include activity and coloring books, crayons, pencils and small stuffed animals.

Coughlin said he's been impressed with how local residents have responded to the announced donation drive on the first weekend. He noted that many items were collected even though the drive was initially announced primarily by e-mail, the internet and word of mouth. Coughlin also expressed appreciation to the volunteers and donors.

Among the larger donations collected Saturday were 500 pairs of rubber boots, which will come in handy during clean-up operations.

School supplies, household items and toiletries were among the typical donations.

United Way of St. Croix County Adopts Sister United Way and Organizes Local Relief Effort

United Way of St. Croix County has “adopted” the United Way of South Mississippi in Gulfport. It serves three of the hardest hit counties on the Mississippi Gulf coast. Our intent is to help people in the Gulfport/Biloxi area with both immediate and long-term recovery. Cash and supplies raised during this Hurricane Katrina relief effort will be forwarded on to this United Way to assist those with the greatest needs.

 For more details on the relief effort and how you can help click here.

Gulf Port Photos 

Click on images

September 8, 20005

United Way Response to Hurricane Katrina

United Way of St. Croix County is offering local donors the opportunity to contribute to the relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Executive Director John Coughlin said, "We realize that people may want to increase their contribution to United Way this year and designate a portion of the gift to aid immediate and long-term recovery efforts from this disaster." He went on to outline a number of different ways that people can help.

The two charities that are always on the front-line at disaster scenes are the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Donations to Red Cross can be made by calling 800-HELP-NOW or at www.redcross.org. The Salvation Army is at 800-SAL-ARMY or www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donors could alternately choose to make a donation to United Way of St. Croix County and designate it to either organization by noting the organization's name and Katrina Relief. One hundred percent of the gift will be forwarded to the organization.

United Way of America (UWA) has established the United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund (UWHKRF). The primary focus of the fund will be to provide intermediate and long-term recovery from the disaster. United Way's Coordinated Crisis Response Team is working with local United Way organizations in the affected areas to assess the areas of greatest need and to efficiently direct the funds received to those areas. UWA President and CEO Brian Gallagher noted that while United Ways "help with providing some front-line disaster relief, their primary focus is long-term recovery - those needs that are often not addressed until weeks and months following a disaster." Donations to the UWHKRF can be made by going to United Way of St. Croix County's website www.unitedwaystcroix.org/uwscc and clicking on the link at the top of the page, by sending a check or by designating a portion of your annual United Way gift to UWHKRF. Again, no fees will be withheld so 100% of the gift will go to help those in need.

The United Way of St. Croix County is also exploring the possibility of "adopting" a United Way on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Executive Director John Coughlin has an acquaintance with a family home in Gulfport, Mississippi and has spent time in the region. The United Way of South Mississippi is located in Gulfport. "The Gulfport/Biloxi area was hit extremely hard so I've been trying to get in contact with the local United Way to see what help they may need," said Coughlin. He has not been able to reach anyone but anticipates that the assistance could take the form of raising funds, collecting commodities and supplies or possibly some staff assistance for their annual campaign. "You can imagine that it will be extremely difficult for them to conduct anything approaching the usual fall United Way campaign," he continued.

The United Way of St. Croix County Board will discuss further action when they meet in September. The St. Croix County campaign officially kicks off on September 19th with a goal of raising $1,000,000 for local charities. The office is at 911 Fourth Street, Hudson, WI 54016 and the telephone is 715-377-0203.