by Tom Olsen, Duluth News Tribune
April 27, 2024

CHISHOLM — Tucked away in an industrial park on the southern edge of town is what Sarah Gardeski jokingly describes as a “garage sale on steroids.”
A warehouse space in the back of the large concrete building is filled to the brim with countless household goods: bedding, pillows, towels, kitchen items, toys, office supplies, clothes, shoes and diapers.
 

But unlike a traditional garage sale, these items aren’t used and worn out. They’re brand-new, and they’re not even for sale.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) asked high school seniors across the region what they saw as the biggest need in the community – and what ideas they had to address that need – in its first annual Youth United Contest.

When United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s United for Veterans initiative brought The Wall That Heals traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Chisholm in 2022, UWNEMN staff heard from veterans and their loved ones about an unexpected and significant impact.

Residents and businesses in Keewatin are invited to request or nominate a recipient for a variety of volunteer-led projects this summer.

Local individuals, businesses, and organizations united to raise more than $2,600,000 in support of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) last year.

UWNEMN presented Backus Community Center with its Agency of the Year award at the organization’s Annual Celebration March 21^st.

With food costs on the rise, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Board of Directors recently approved an increase in the organization’s annual contribution to local food shelves across the region, donating $40,000 in total this month.