MASON CITY, I.A., August 16, 2011 ñ On Thursday, August 18 ñ United Way of North Central Iowa held their first ever Head to Toe Event at their 2011 Campaign Kickoff. Larry Elwood, 2011 Campaign Chair unveiled this year’s campaign goal of $1.1 Million. The organization revealed their campaign video which featured local community members telling stories of support and survival; all who benefitted from United Way funded programs. In addition, an impromptu flash-mob by the Mason City Mohawk Danzers surprised crowds with a United Way cheer. Following the kick-off program the doors of Music Man Square swung open and welcomed nearly 1200 students and their families to the first ever Head to Toe Event.
Students were immediately given a raffle ticket to enter into a Free Laptop drawing. They received a free toothbrush, and tube of toothpaste, and a LIVE UNITED t-shirt. Then the families moved into the “Community Program” portion of the event, where students and their parents could visit with various different community organizations that can help children succeed in school.
ï The Mason City Public Library was helping students sign up for library cards
ï The Mason City Family YMCA was talking about their after-school programs
ï The North Iowa Youth Center was introducing their “Home Alone” program which teaches safety tips to children who might get home before their parents.
ï RSVP Reading Program was explaining their Reading Buddies program
ï The MacNyder Art Museum was showcasing their free art classes
ï The Youth Task Force was informing families about One-on-One Mentoring
Their were over 20 community programs present at the event. All relevant to getting children ready to learn and keeping them successful throughout the year.
After the families visited with the community programs, they got in line to receive their free pair of athletic shoes. Nearly 700 children were given a free pair of athletic shoes on Thursday. All students were welcome, regardless of grade or school.
“We made a lot of kids happy on Thursday. It’s hard to comprehend the level of need in our community until it’s right their in front of you” says Larry Elwood, 2011 Campaign Chair. “It was such a powerful day, we were so happy to be able to help”.
The United Way of North Central Iowa’s 2011 Campaign has officially begun. The organization is currently recruiting volunteers, with a goal of enlisting 500 by the end of the year. If you’re interested in volunteering for the non-profit, please visit unitedwaynci.org to learn how you can help. To give or advocate on behalf of United Way, visit unitedwaynci.org or call 641.423.1774.
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