'Sowing seeds, growing community'

NORWALK — The Norwalk Area United Fund has set some lofty fundraising goals for next year. The group aspires to raise $550,000 for the remainder of the 2025 calendar year, a five percent increase from last year's goal. Funds collected by the group starting this month will be a part of its 2026 distributions. So far the group has raised nearly $12,000. The slogan of this year's fund drive is "sowing seeds, growing community." Money collected during the 2026 drive will be re-distributed to programs that help individuals and families. Primary areas of assistance include health and wellness programs, education and crisis support, according to a news release from the group. The group's executive director, Carol Wheeler, described he group's 2025 donation drive as an "incredible success," bringing in nearly $575,000. "This achievement marks 109 percent of our initial goal. Together, through generosity, we can cultivate great things with these contributions," Wheeler said. The group has a number of events planned to help meet its goals: • Thursday, Sept. 18: A kickoff breakfast event "rooted in service" on at the Huron County Enrichment Center, 325 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk. • Sunday, Oct. 12: The Maple City Half Marathon and 5K is scheduled for a 7:45 a.m. start at 100 Republic St. The cost is $65 per person for the half marathon and $35 per person for the 5K. Pre-registration through Sept. 30. Winners receive a cash prize. • Wednesday, Nov. 12: A "harvest of excellence" reception at the Village Barn in Monroeville. • Friday, April 17, 2026: Annual Dinner and auction at the Huron County Fairgrounds. Wheeler invited interested participants to make a donation to the group. "As we embark on another campaign, I encourage each of you to help by inviting someone to contribute to our cause. We need everyone to consider making a donation to meet the needs of our community," Wheeler said.