The Willmar Area Women’s Fund (WAWF) focused its year-end efforts on supporting several local organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to the community.
The 2024 Holiday Drive centered on a need we learned about during our November Lunch and Learn. Youth residing at Prairie Lakes Youth Programs, many who are not adjudicated to be there, arrive without essentials such as shoes, socks, undergarments or adequate items for sleeping or lounging. WAWF co-created a drive benefiting Prairie Lakes Youth Programs by inviting WAWF supporters to donate these needed items and address the unmet needs of the students. Additionally, the WAWF awarded a generous grant of $3,000 to help cover the cost of much-needed shoes for the students currently in the program and shoes to assist with future youth. The staff at PLYP were overwhelmed by the generosity and support of youth working to improve their lives noting, ‘this was a big bright spot in a challenging year for youth in our programs. We are so grateful!” Thank you to our donors who helped send a little holiday cheer to PLYP this year!
Beyond the Holiday Drive, the WAWF Steering Committee chose to support Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Youth Outreach program with the establishment of the Youth Resource Center, which will be housed at Bethel Lutheran Church in early 2025. Committee members personally purchased essential items for the center, including towels, silverware, dish sets, and pots and pans. Lynette Kleinschmidt from LSS expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are so excited to be able to move forward with so much support and investment in the youth we serve.” Modeled after other Youth Resource Centers in Minnesota, this location will give youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability a place to do laundry, access resources, make a meal and safely attend to personal hygiene while supported by LSS staff. We look forward to sharing more details about this exciting project soon!
In addition to supporting the above initiatives, the Willmar Area Women’s Fund contributed to Family Promise. The Steering Committee approved a $1,000 grant to secure program owned toys, books, and games for the children and youth staying in the dorms at Family Promise. An additional $1,000 grant was allocated to purchase gift cards, helping individuals and families secure essential items for the holidays and winter season.
The Willmar Area Women’s Fund extends heartfelt thanks to all donors who contributed financially or supported the Holiday Drive or are donors to our annual campaign. Together, we are making a difference in our community. We look forward to the great things we can accomplish together in 2025!
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