By Lori EhdeThe 39th Annual Rock County Red Arrow drive will start Friday with the theme "A Promise of Compassion and Support."The goal for this year’s drive, which continues until Oct. 29, is $35,000.The purpose of Red Arrow is to simplify giving for local residents who would otherwise be solicited by many organizations throughout the year.Red Arrow collects for 23 causes, allowing givers to contribute to all of them through one lump donation.One of the local agencies receiving Red Arrow funds is Southwestern Minnesota Habitat for Humanity.A group of Luverne residents started the Habitat chapter in 2000, and the first home was completed in August 2002 for the Shari Kracht family in Luverne."My many thanks to the Southwestern Minnesota Habitat For Humanity and all the people who volunteer their time," Kracht told the Star Herald a year after she and her four children moved into their new home. "This has opened my eyes to see that there are people out there who do care — people who freely volunteer their time to help others."The chapter grew to also include the southwestern Minnesota communities of Worthington and Pipestone.In July 2003 Worthington dedicated its first Habitat for Humanity home, and in April this year, construction began on a home in Pipestone.That home, built for Mavity Winter and her five children, will be dedicated at noon Saturday, Oct. 9, at the house on 208 9th Ave. NW in Pipestone.It is important to note that Habitat is not a give-away program. The houses are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable no-interest mortgages. In addition to helping with physical work on the houses, Habitat families make a down payment and pay monthly mortgage payments like everyone else who buys a home. Still, the program relies on help from the community, both in volunteer labor and financial donations.Last year Red Arrow supported the program with a $1,500 donation. How to give to Rock County Red Arrow:Luverne High School Peer Helpers will deliver packets of brochures and pledge cards to businesses, and they’ll pick up employee donations at pre-arranged later dates. That will coincide with a blanket mailing to all Rock County homes, which will be sent Friday.In addition, Red Arrow drop boxes are located at all the Rock County banks and at Glen's Food Center.Donations may given to Red Arrow in general, or specific causes can be designated. Those could include state and national organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the American Diabetes Association.Some local causes Red Arrow supports include Rock County Developmental Achievement Center, Rock County Relay for Life, the Southwest Crisis Center and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.Last year’s Red Arrow goal was also $35,000, but donations through June exceeded $36,000.Red Arrow officers are Brian Wohnoutka, president; Greg Leuthold, vice president, Nancy Kaczrowski, secretary; and Margaret Cook, treasurer.The Red Arrow Board of Directors includes Carol Morgan, Jim Boeve, Chuck Egland, Mary McLaughlin, Dianne Ossenfort and Cary Radisewitz.Red Arrow Fund Drive chairs are Leuthold, Cary Schroeder and Carrie Overgaard.
