A Monthly Update From UW Valleys

Registration for Give Big Valleys closes April 17, just three days away.

Nonprofits still have time to sign up for this 24 hour online giving event, taking place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Give Big Valleys brings communities across Western Wisconsin together to support local nonprofits and make a lasting impact.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this region wide day of giving. Special thanks to our Valley Sponsors, WESTconsin Credit Union & the St. Croix Valley Foundation.

The UW Valleys Diaper Bank continues to support families across our region through strong community partnerships and ongoing diaper drives.

Recent support from partners like Drylock Technologies, Amery Hospital and Clinic, and FNC Bank has helped provide thousands of diapers and wipes to local families, keeping shelves stocked and supplies moving where they’re needed most.

April diaper drives include West Immanuel Lutheran Church (April 12 - April 26) and the Pepin County Diaper Drive, running through April 30.

211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects people to local resources for housing, food, utility assistance, employment support, and other essential needs.

211 is staffed by trained specialists who help assess each caller’s needs and connect them with appropriate local resources.

When a local resident recently reached out after an unexpected car repair impacted their ability to pay a utility bill, 211 was able to connect them with local assistance resources to help prevent service disruption.

Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Thanks to the generosity of Marketplace Foods customers, the recent round up campaign raised $947.08 to support the Winter Wear Open House.

Hosted by Marketplace Foods in partnership with UW Valleys, the Winter Wear Open House provides free coats, hats, gloves, and boots to individuals and families in need.

Held annually in Menomonie, the event ensures community members of all ages can select winter essentials in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Community support like this helps make the event possible each year. Thank you, Marketplace Foods!

In partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, UW Valleys continues to help direct critical funding to local nonprofits serving our region. The Community Responsive Fund supports organizations addressing immediate challenges and opportunities in our communities. Additional details about eligibility and the 2026 application process will be released soon. 

The 2026 focus areas are:  

Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs. (Large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are not included.)  

Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.  

Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/underinsured.  

Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.  

School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services. 

To discuss eligibility criteria, please reach out to: 

Megan Hausch, Director of Development, megan.hausch@uwvalleys.org.

• Pepin County Diaper Drive - April 4-31, 2026
• 3rd Annual West Immanuel Lutheran Church Diaper Drive - April 12-26, 2026
• Give Big Valleys - April 28, 2026
• Day of Caring - October 1, 2026
• Sherrifs Team Challenge - October 8, 2026

UW Valleys Mission

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Western Wisconsin.

Serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties, we unite people and resources to tackle our region's most pressing challenges.