by Lee Bloomquist for Mesabi Tribune
The first Wednesday is always the busiest day of the month at Quad City Food Shelf.
But this Wednesday could be busier than ever.
As the federal government wrangles with a loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to some 41.7 million Americans, other local food sources like the Quad City Food Shelf may have to pick up the slack.
by FOX 21
Applications for the United Way of Northeastern MN. Youth United Scholarship are open.
Submissions should answer the question, “what do you see as the biggest need or challenge in your community, and what are your thoughts on how UWNEMN or similar groups can meet that need or address that challenge?”
The contest will award up to $10,000 in scholarships. The minimum award will be $1,000.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s third annual Youth United Contest opens November 1, 2025, to high school seniors across the organization’s service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County).
The contest will award up to $10,000 in scholarships among students who answer the question, “What do you see as the biggest need or challenge in your community, and what are your thoughts on how UWNEMN or similar groups can meet that need or address that challenge?”
Storytelling is critical for communication, learning, and connecting with each other. It allows us to see and hold different perspectives and share our lived experiences with others. It’s in our DNA and underpins our culture.
Two new schools – Greenhaven Elementary in Hibbing and Washington Elementary in Ely – are partnering with United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Lunch Buddies mentoring program, slated to begin next month.
This growth is becoming a trend for the program, which pairs local elementary students with screened, trained volunteer mentors from the community to share one lunch break/week. Participation has increased from two elementary schools to 13 since 2020.
Timber Mill Park has been enhanced with new ways for children to learn while playing thanks to a united effort between regional leaders – and a whole lot of help from local volunteers.
Kayce joined the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota team in September 2025. Kayce is an Iron Range native who grew up in Hibbing, MN. She has a bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and master's degree in K-6 Education from Concordia University. "I'm passionate about working with youth and families," she said.
In the wake of this spring’s wildfires, people from across the region, state, and even nation reached out to United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) to help however they could.
“The outpouring of support wasn’t just heartwarming,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “It enabled our organization to help in tangible ways we haven’t always had capacity to do, and it was a testament to what is possible when we work together.”
by KSDM KGHS
Hungry for a good cause?
It’s Restaurant Week in Koochiching County!
From August 11th through 17th, local restaurants are teaming up with United Way of Northeastern Minnesota — donating a portion of sales to support programs like Buddy Backpacks, Imagination Library, and veteran services.
There are many things to consider when constructing one’s will, and one of the most important aspects to think about is who to leave assets to - and how those assets will be used.
A gift made to someone as part of a will is called a bequest. Bequests don’t just have to go to people – they can also go to charitable organizations. A bequest to a charitable organization offers some advantages to both the donor and the recipient, including flexibility, tax advantages, recognition, and efficiency.