Campaign

 

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2026-2027 Campaign 

Campaign Co-Chairs Sadie Weekley & Emma Michels

Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. That’s why United Way mobilizes the caring power of neighbors, businesses, and community partners to lead transformational change here in Marshall County.

From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where everyone can reach their full potential.

Donate today.
Join us in Leading the Way to a better future for all. 

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2025-2026 Co-Chairs

Robert Maharry & Maria Gonzalez- Alvarez

 
 
 
 

Dear Community Members,

We are delighted to serve as the Co-Chairs for the 2025-2026 Marshalltown Area United Way Campaign. Over the years, our paths have crossed through various community events, and we are proud to share a deep commitment to fostering community engagement. Together, we have been involved in the My Marshalltown project, which has helped cultivate civic pride and create opportunities for growth. As our families grow, we want to ensure that Marshalltown remains a place where everyone can thrive. We are excited to collaborate on this campaign and are eager to see the possibilities this year holds!

Robert:
I grew up in Alta, Iowa, and double majored in journalism/mass communication and political science at the University of Iowa. I moved to Marshalltown in 2021 after living in Conrad for seven years. Shortly after arriving, I began dating my wife, Erinn, and we were married in November 2024. Our family will be growing later this year as we prepare to welcome our first child. I serve as the managing editor of the Times-Republican and sit on the boards of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa Newspaper Association, and the local film company Bella Luna Productions. I’m also a part-time musician, both solo and with my band, Catfish Murphy.

Maria:
I’ve spent most of my life in Marshalltown, having moved here from Mexico when I was just five years old. Family means everything to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the constant support from my wonderful husband of 14 years, our two amazing children, aged 10 and 12, and our three dogs.
In my professional life, I work as a Community Organizer for Iowa MMJ and co-organize with Immigrant Allies of Marshalltown. Volunteering is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve been actively involved in several committees and organizations, including ACCESS, Power of the Purse, Diversity in Leadership, the My Marshalltown project, St. Francis festival, and the Cultural Festival. I am also an EGYM trainer at our Marshalltown YMCA and am currently training for a full marathon. My goal is to create a positive impact in my community while balancing my personal and professional aspirations.

Together, we share a deep love for Marshalltown and are passionate about seeing it thrive as a vibrant, welcoming community. The Marshalltown United Way has been instrumental in supporting local organizations that provide vital services. Your contributions to the United Way play a key role in sustaining these services and ultimately improving the quality of life for everyone in our community. With the support of our entire community, we can achieve this year’s ambitious goal of $900,000.

United We Are Leading the Way!

Robert Maharry & Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez

 

2026-2027 Campaign Letter from Executive Director

 

Debbie Collins, Executive DirectorDear Friends and Supporters,

It is both an honor and a privilege to join the Marshalltown Area United Way as Executive Director for our 97th Annual Campaign with a goal of raising $900,000. As I've gotten to know this incredible community over the past few months, I've witnessed firsthand the generosity, compassion, and commitment that make Marshall County such a special place to call home.

Every day, hardworking individuals and families throughout Marshall County face impossible choices. They are deciding whether to pay rent or buy groceries, fill a prescription or pay the utility bill, afford childcare so they can continue working, or simply make ends meet. These are not isolated stories; they are the realities facing many of our neighbors. The latest ALICE Report - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed- tells us that nearly 4 out of 10 households in Marshall County are struggling to afford the basics.

  • 39% of households live below the ALICE Threshold
  • 11% living in poverty
  • 28% are working but still cannot afford essential household expenses.

These are our neighbors, coworkers, seniors, young families, and essential workers. Our local 2-1-1 data tells the same story.

Through 25 local partner agencies delivering more than 30 essential programs and services, MAUW helps promote healthy communities, expand youth opportunities, strengthen financial security, and build community resiliency in Marshall County. Last year, because of donors like you, together we were able to:

  • Helped more than 6,800 children, youth, and families access mentoring, educational opportunities, leadership development, after-school programs, and family support services.
  • Connected more than 2570 individuals with health, mental health, disability, crisis response, safety, housing, nutrition, hospice, and other essential support services.
  • Empowered more than 5,800 people through financial stability, legal assistance, employment, independent living, housing, volunteer engagement, and workforce development services.

Your gift stays local. In fact, 98.8% of every dollar raised remains here in our community, supporting programs and services that improve lives every day. Your contribution creates opportunities for children, provides hope for families, and ensures our most vulnerable neighbors have access to the resources they need - not just to survive, but to thrive.

There are many ways to make a difference. You can give through your workplace campaign, make a personal contribution, or volunteer. You can give by mailing your donation or visiting our office at 709 S. Center St., Suite 135. Or donate online at www.unitedwaymarshalltown.org by clicking the “Donate” button in the upper right corner.

Thank you for believing in the power of community and for your continued investment in the Marshalltown Area United Way. Because when we work together, United is the Way.

With sincere gratitude,

Debbie Collins

Executive Director