The Winkler United Way recently saw a revival after losing a number of board members to retirement, and are coming back strong with a modified December fundraising campaign.

President Kim Nelson says, "there was enough interest and enough need that was identified by agencies who've received grants from United Way in the past, that we were able to re-create a board and move forward."

Before community members stepped up, the organization planned to take a year off until they could get up and running again.

"Last year and the year before they supported 19 organizations in the City of Winkler," says Nelson.

She says United Way is able to give a number of grants which are very versatile, and allow the receiving organizations freedom to use the funds for things like operating costs, and supplies.

Their December campaign has been modified so that they can continue to add to their funds, and remind people that United Way is alive and well.

"People will be at Winkler Co-op, so people can stop by there, and there will be United Way board members there to accept donations," says Nelson. It's also a great opportunity for the community to meet new board members, and see if they might be interested in joining their team in the future.

The Drop-off Days at Winkler Co-op will take place on Friday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 14 from 1-9 p.m. Donation boxes will also be at the Winkler Co-op grocery store, Gas Bar, and Truck Stop as well as at the Winkler Senior Centre, Gateway Resources, and at the City of Winkler offices in City Hall, from now until the end of February. Online donations are also welcome at unitedwaywinkler.com. The funds will be distributed next spring.