It’s the start of summer – and that means United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties and the South Wood County Hunger Coalition are teaming up to fight hunger!
Residents will be able to help “Strike Out Hunger” during the tenth annual “United We Can” food sculpture event, set for June 16th at Witter Field, 521 Lincoln Street.
Through the “United We Can” event, businesses, organizations and residents will step up to the plate and go to bat to strike out hunger. Leading up to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters vs. Wausau Woodchucks game, local teams will build sculptures using canned food and basic needs items. These items will then be donated to local food programs. Since 2013, “United We Can” has resulted in more than 57,000 pounds of food collected.
It’s not too late to “pitch” in to help “Strike Out Hunger”
- Participate in the food sculpture contest to see which team can build the most creative and visually captivating sculpture out of cans (or other basic needs items) donated by businesses, employees, and/or family and friends. Register your team at www.uwswac.org.
- Drop off non-perishable food items or cash donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16th at Witter Field. Checks should be made payable to “United Way.” Food item donations will also be accepted throughout the game.
- Gather up your loose change (and cash!) to participate in the “Miracle Minute” during the Rafters game. Buckets will be passed through the stands for 60 seconds to collect spare change. This quick fundraiser is just another opportunity to support our local food programs so they can purchase additional materials to keep their shelves stocked.
In 2021, United Way’s 2-1-1 Information and Referral line received over 74 calls for assistance in acquiring food. Additionally, Hunger Coalition partners connected individuals to food resources over 107,580 times last year. The need is local and it is real. Help us strike out hunger!
For more information, contact Ben Eberlein, Community Engagement Director of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, at 715-421-0390 or Ben@uwswac.org or go to www.uwswac.org.