UNITED WAY ESTABLISHES FLOOD RECOVERY FUND

We continue to get many calls regarding flood recovery and ways you can help, and will make sure to pass them onto you via our Business Blog or E-Communication as they trickle in. Here is the latest message, received from United Way of Olmsted County's VP of Communication & Marketing Dave Beal:

"The United Way Minnesota/Wisconsin Flood Recovery Fund has been established to assist victims of the recent flooding with long-term unmet needs not covered by government or other traditional relief sources.

United Ways in Minnesota and Wisconsin are participating collecting contributions to this fund. These United Ways include: United Way of Olmsted County, United Way of Greater Winona, United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha, and Pierce Counties, and Great Rivers United Way in Onalaska, Wisconsin which serves Houston County as well as four counties in Wisconsin.

The distribution of assistance from this fund will happen in coordination with other United Ways in the flood-impacted region. The funds will be distributed to programs providing services to individuals and families affected by the flood. The fund will be used to respond to needs not otherwise provided for by government or other traditional sources. The United Way of Olmsted County Board of Directors established the fund with $20,000.

You can contribute to the fund by cash or check at any Wells Fargo or Associated Bank branch or directly to United Way of Olmsted County at 903 West Center Street, Rochester MN, 55902. More information about the fund will be available at www.uwolmsted.org.

“County and local governments, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other organizations continue to respond to the immediate needs of communities hit by this recent flooding. And we have seen first hand the great job they are doing,” said Karen Erlenbusch, President of United Way of Olmsted County. “The fund we established will respond to the ongoing demands of relief and recovery that will persist into the coming months, perhaps years, as our neighbors rebuild their lives and communities.”