33 local children participated in the first-ever United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) Community Steps event in Koochiching County August 9th.
Community Steps began as a collaboration between the Mountain Iron Fire Department and UWNEMN three years ago.
“We were so touched by the immediate support of the community when we suggested taking the concept to Koochiching County,” said UWNEMN Resource Development and Events Director Elizabeth Kelly.
Through the program, children and their families enjoyed a special dinner and ride in a fire truck – and took home new athletic shoes and gift certificates for haircuts. Funding for Community Steps in Koochiching County was provided by donations to UWNEMN as well as sponsorships from Packaging Corporation of America and TruStar Federal Credit Union.
To qualify for Community Steps, families had to reside in Koochiching County and be under the 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines/receiving SNAP or MFIP.
Dinner was held at Backus Community Center; Executive Director Lois Lundin said the center was thrilled to support UWNEMN and area families with helping children prepare for school.
“I think so many of us have fun memories of shopping for new shoes for school,” said Backus Community Center Executive Director Lois Lundin. “The children were so proud to show us the shoes that they chose.”
Ronnings International Falls Store Manager Heather Lynch agreed.
“The children were all so thankful and had a great time choosing their shoes,” she said. “Ronnings likes to be a part of our community and help out whenever we can. We look forward to doing it again next year!”
Rides to Ronnings were provided by Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office, International Falls Fire Department, and International Falls Police Department.
“I feel that any chance we have to contribute to the betterment of our shared community will reinforce our commitment to public service,” said International Falls Police Chief Mike Kostiuk.
“I was especially excited to see Sergeant Dane Olson (with 16 years of experience) alongside two of our newest officers, Officer Jay Taylor and Officer Kane Kostiuk. I feel that officers at every level of our department see the value in these interactions,” added Kostiuk.
Store staff, local volunteers, and first responders helped children pick out their new shoes at Ronnings. Children were also given a gift certificate good for one haircut through local participating salons: Becky Shoberg - Good Sam’s Salon, Bowham Hairways, House of Joy Salon & Studio, and VIP Salon.
Donations to UWNEMN support nonprofit agencies in Koochiching County as well as UWNEMN programs: Buddy Backpacks, Comforts of Home, Imagination Library, and United for Veterans.
UWNEMN Community Impact Coordinator Katy Lofquist said the organization’s goal is to expand all of its work across its entire service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County).Last winter the organization held a United for Veterans holiday meal kit distribution in Koochiching county, and in addition to Community Steps, this fall UWNEMN will be piloting its Lunch Buddies mentoring program at Falls Elementary – again, with hopes of expanding to other schools throughout the county in the future.
“Every person in every community we serve is important to us, and I’m excited to see how we will continue to grow in Koochiching County,” Lofquist said.
To learn more about any of UWNEMN’s programs, visit www.unitedwaynemn.org.