Residents and businesses in Keewatin are invited to request or nominate a recipient for a variety of volunteer-led projects this summer.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is partnering with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity (ICHFH) and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to bring a Day of Action to Keewatin on June 14th. Together, the organizations will mobilize more than 100 local volunteers to complete requested community revitalization projects.
ICHFH first partnered with Grand Rapids-based United Way of 1,000 Lakes to bring Day of Action to other Itasca County communities in 2019, and CEDA joined the partnership in 2020; to-date Day of Action has been organized in Grand Rapids, Bovey, Coleraine, and Deer River.
This is the first year ICHFH and CEDA are partnering with Chisholm-based UWNEMN which serves communities across the Iron Range (including Keewatin, Nashwauk, and Pengilly), Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County.
“We were so impressed to hear and see the impact Day of Action has made in other Itasca County communities and are excited for this opportunity to partner and bring Day of Action to Keewatin,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay.
Organizers will be door-knocking Tuesday April 9 and Friday April 12 in Keewatin to compile a list of projects and material needs for Day of Action.
ICHFH Executive Director Jamie Mjolsness said most popular projects in the past have been residential activities such as painting, deck repair, cleaning/fixing gutters, landscaping, city projects such as park upgrades, painting, beautification including planting flowers, and business projects including painting, landscaping, and more. However, organizers and volunteers are up to the task for a full range of requests.
“The impact on the city, businesses, and residents’ homes is always a powerful reminder of what a community can tackle when we work together,” Mjolsness said. "Join us this year and be part of the positive change in Keewatin!"
Due to the variety of different needs, volunteer opportunities will be suitable for people ages 12+ of all experience levels, and groups are encouraged to sign up to volunteer together. There will be some opportunities that require special training/skills. Day of Action volunteers will receive a T-shirt and lunch and will have access to snacks, water, first aid, restrooms, and project materials throughout the day.
For more information, visit the Day of Action website or call 218-999-9001.
Quick links: Submit a project request | Sign up to volunteer