Together, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN), the City of Keewatin, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity (ICHFH), and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) are working to mobilize more than 200 volunteers June 14 for Day of Action.
19 Keewatin households and small business owners have submitted project requests ranging from basic landscaping and painting to window washing and garage door repair. The city has also submitted several community space projects to the list to make for a widespread day of community revitalization.
Organizers are hopeful they will succeed in securing the 200 volunteers needed to complete all the requested projects.
“After hearing stories from the people who’ve asked for help with projects and the difference this will make in their lives, we are extremely motivated to complete requests for each of them,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay.
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 held in Grand Rapids, Bovey, Coleraine, and Deer River. This year, ICHFH, CEDA, and United Way of 1,000 Lakes have organized a Day of Action June 21 in Marble.
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,” Shay said.
UWNEMN’s Day of Action in Keewatin will be fueled by volunteers from across the region as well as financial and volunteer support from presenting sponsor U. S. Steel.
“U. S. Steel employees live and work in our local communities, and our company considers it important to pitch in and support those communities,” said U. S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations Sr. Environmental Director and UWNEMN Board Member Chrissy Bartovich. “Being able to help community members in need with projects that would otherwise go uncompleted is a privilege. It will be heartwarming to see the difference we make together on this Day of Action in Keewatin.”
If enough volunteers are secured to tackle all project requests, Keewatin’s would be the biggest Day of Action yet for ICHFH and CEDA.
“The impact on the city, businesses, and residents’ homes is always a powerful reminder of what a community can tackle when we work together,” said ICHFH Executive Director Jamie Mjolsness. "Join us this year and be part of the positive change in Keewatin!"
Due to the variety of different project needs, volunteer opportunities will be suitable for people ages 12+ of all experience levels. Families, friends, and coworkers are encouraged to sign up to volunteer together.
Day of Action volunteers can sign up for the morning, afternoon, or full day. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt and lunch and will have access to snacks, water, first aid, restrooms, and project materials throughout the day.
Volunteers must sign up by May 28th to guarantee a volunteer shirt in their size. To sign up to volunteer June 14 in Keewatin, click here, call 218-215-2420, or email crystal@unitedwaynemn.org.