211
211 is a United Way Worldwide program that helps people find local assistance that may benefit them. Many families seek resources for rental assistance, food security, healthcare assistance, and more. Your support provides access to 2-1-1. When a caller dials 2-1-1, they receive a free, confidential service that is staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who assess the caller’s needs and connect them to essential services within their community.
Imagination Library was founded by the Dolly Parton Foundation to support increased literacy at young ages. It provides free books to children from birth to age 5. While Dolly’s Foundation provides the books, we pay for the shipping so that there are no barriers for children to receive these books.
WE’RE SORRY, BUT THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY PAUSED WHILE WE REORGANIZE.
We proudly support our youngest learners by providing Preschool Readiness Kits to all incoming preschoolers across 12 school districts in our surrounding communities. These kits are handed out at preschool screenings and are full of items that engage and assist children as they practice the skills they will need to acquire during preschool. Before they even step foot into a classroom, the youngest learners will have a head start, so that one day, they can change the world!
The Growmobile is a summer program that provides a mobile elementary educational experience to promote engagement and learning year-round. The Growmobile hosts stories and activities at multiple stops throughout the week throughout our service area all summer long. This program is unique to our region and is working to prepare our community’s children to return to school with minimal “summer backslide”. At Willmar stops only, the Growmobile also partners with Willmar Schools Nutrition to hand out free cold meals to all children present.
Every year we work with many generous people, businesses, and organizations to collect thousands of donated school supplies to distribute to students in need throughout West Central Minnesota. With the help of many, we are able to bridge the gap and help families who may otherwise struggle to access or afford the expense of new supplies at the beginning of the school year. We feel that it is important for kids to start the school year feeling confident and prepared! These supplies are handed out discreetly by trusted adults, so kids don’t feel judged by their peers.
Did you know that on average, 1 in 3 households struggle with the expense of diapering their children?
Little Bums of Willmar was started in 2022 after a spam post on Facebook had been falsely advertising a diaper giveaway and disappointed many people who were in need. A few community members recognized this need and joined together to create a diaper drive funded by our community. Generous donations make it possible for us to hand out hundreds of diapers to individuals and families in our community who need help accessing diapers without using their financial status as a determining factor.
Check the Little Bums facebook page for upcoming diaper drive and giveaway dates! ——————————————————————–>
Our children have less time for free play now than ever before. Children’s Museums, like The Village, provide children with the freedom and opportunity to create and explore, learn and grow, in an environment where their imaginations are uninhibited, and learning comes naturally. Click the button in the image slides to visit The Village’s website today!